Isaiah 40, Psalm 6

As I read through Isaiah 40, I love the picture of God that is painted - a God full of affection, strength, patience, and without comparison in all of creation.

11 He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.

God's faithfulness as a shepherd to the flock of Israel is astounding - not only does he protect them and provide for their needs, but He is filled with love and affection for a people that have let Him down over and over again.

17 All the nations are as nothing before him, they are accounted by him as less than nothing and emptiness. 18 To whom then will you liken God, or what likeness compare with him?

It seems like most of the great nations throughout history have considered themselves to be pretty hot stuff; what a humbling reminder of how frail and tenuous a nation really is. To be counted as less than nothing and emptiness - talk about low! Isaiah also reminds the people how pathetic their fabricated idols are compared to the God that does not even acknowledge the power of their greatest enemies. What idol can compare with Him?

The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. 29 He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. 30 Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; 31 but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

 This is a beautiful passage, and reminds us of the strength and life that is found only in the great sustainer. We can take great comfort in knowing that where our strength and might fall short, His is just beginning.

What a glorious God indeed!