(our theme for September)

As I write this, I’m on the verge of finishing clearing out my office because I’m retiring after 40 years of teaching, with the last 34 of them at this college, 11 years in the same office. You can accumulate a lot of stuff in a time frame like that.

The prophet Isaiah in poetic form said, “Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall.” Maybe, but let me tell you: it doesn’t get any easier when you get older. I am flat out exhausted. If I had to do this every day, it would overpower me.

Fortunately, I have hope it will end. I can see the finish line. I’m almost certain I will complete the job tomorrow. (I had better, since the next person moves in the day after tomorrow.)

When circumstances wear out even young people, we can all experience the energy that comes from hope. A well-known energy drink claims it gives you wings. It may or may not, but hope in the Lord definitely does.

Sometimes when I preach on Sunday mornings, my microphone will die right in the middle of the sermon. I swiftly reach for the fresh batteries on the left side of the pulpit and exchange the old, dead batteries for new ones. The word in the Hebrew translated “renew” carries with it the implication of “exchange.” Those who hope in the Lord don’t just renew their own strength. They exchange their depleted resources for the strength of the one who created the stars.

Father, this world can wear us down. We don’t have the strength to deal with it on our own. You have never promised us an easy time, but thank you for giving us the strength to deal with our challenges here. Guide us in waiting patiently for you so we can keep on walking. Amen.

This devotional was written and read by Donn King.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.