New

Words matter.  Even little words.  Today reading in Psalm 29 verse 11 caught my attention, specifically the part about the Lord giving strength to His people.  Getting older and being tired this afternoon probably contributed to that capture.

Thinking through the passage a couple of other passages came to mind, Isaiah 40:27 – 31, and Matthew 11:28 – 30.  That is where “new” came in.  You know the passage in Isaiah well; probably have it memorized.  Today as I was thinking through these passages “new” grabbed my attention.  I have always read that as restored.  In other words waiting on God recharges my strength.  But today I dug a little deeper the Hebrew word that is translated “will gain new” is chalaph ().  While it does mean recharge or renew it also can carry the meaning of changes or replace.  It occurs to me that while waiting on the Lord is rest as Matthew 11:28 says it is also transformative.  2 Corinthians 5:17 tells us that we are new creatures as we come into relationship with Him.  Philippians 2:13 and 4:13 tells me that the Lord gives me not only the will but the ability or strength to follow and serve Him.

That is a great encouragement to me when I get weary.  I can come to Him and He will give me “new” strength, His strength.  That is a pretty good deal.