December 27

But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint. — Isa 40:31 BSB

The eagle is known for soaring toward the sun, and it is said to be the only bird that can gaze upon it with an unflinching eye. So it is with faith in the soul. Only the Lord’s people, by faith, can gaze upon the "Sun of righteousness," behold a glorious Immanuel at the right hand of the Father, and see Jesus ever interceding for them, drawing them near to His heart. When this blessed Jesus imparts a measure of His love and blood to their conscience, and stirs up their faith, then the soul begins to mount up on wings like an eagle. It soars higher and higher, until it enters into the very presence of God. Faith lifts the soul in greater and greater circles of spiritual flight until it reaches the sanctuary of Jehovah.

Has your soul ever soared like this? Have there not been times when divine life and light filled your heart, when faith was strong, hope was anchored, and love flowed freely? During such moments, you found delight in Jesus, and His name, love, and blood became precious to you. Haven’t you experienced not only the exercise of faith and hope but also of heavenly affection?

Yet, at other times, we are weighed down by this earth, trapped in the valley of tears, bound by the cares of this world. We are like a bird with a broken wing, unable to soar. We get swallowed up in earthly concerns and forget God and godliness. But there are also those blessed seasons when our soul is freed from these chains. Earthly cares fall away, and it feels as if our wings are renewed, as if we are given fresh strength to rise above the world, sin, and temptation. We leave behind the snares of this life, and our affections soar heavenward. This is what it means to "mount up with wings like eagles," and the soul continues to rise until it enters the very presence of the triune God of Israel.