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. -Isaiah 40:31 (ESV)

In the New International Version of the Bible, it says, “but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” The word WAIT in other translations is translated HOPE in the new International Version. WAIT OR HOPE!

Have you ever had one of those days when you were tired and discouraged and, on top of that, you did not feel very well? Do you want to whip the blues the next time you are tired and discouraged?

FIRST, when you are tired and discouraged and feel terrible, remember the prophet Elijah. His life tells us that even spiritual giants can get tired and discouraged and, at times, do not feel very well.

Elijah’s wife shows that there is a definite relationship between the physical, the spiritual, and the emotional. When Elijah became tired and discouraged, he forgot how God met him in bygone days, how God sent ravens to feed him at Cherith, how God sent him to Zarephath where he miraculously brought the widow’s son back to life. He forgot how God consumed 450 prophets.

SECOND, when you are tired and discouraged and do not feel very good, remember Jonah who had the bout with the great fish.

A lot of Jonahs walk the streets of every large city in the world. God says to them, “Give me your heart.” But they turn and run as far as they can go. They are like the captain of a ship who turned to the navigator and said, “Where are we headed?” The reply was: “I do not know, sir/mam but we are making very good time.” Perhaps you are one of those who are making very good time going nowhere. Real happiness comes by doing and honoring the will of God.

FINALLY, do not despair when you are tired and discouraged and do not feel very good.

We all feel like that at times. David found the answer: “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” (Psalm 27:14)

Pastor Gideon Gallo is the Administrative Pastor at Gladbrook Global United Methodist Church.