January Devotions

Strength or today

Isaiah 40:31 —“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.”

Strength for today doesn’t usually arrive as a surge of power or a sudden burst of energy. More often, it comes quietly — through hope, through trust, through leaning into God rather than our own tiredness.

Isaiah’s promise is not that life will be easy, but that God will supply strength for whatever the day requires.

For soaring seasons — when life feels lifted.

For running seasons — when the pace is demanding.

And for walking seasons — when we are simply putting one foot in front of the other.

Waiting on the Lord is not passive. It means looking to Him, relying on Him, trusting His timing, and drawing from His presence. Strength rises in us as we release the anxious striving that drains us and instead breathe in the calm, steady faithfulness of God.

When fear rushes in, strength leaks out.

When trust returns, strength rises again.

Today’s strength begins with today’s surrender.

A mountain guide once described how climbers are trained for long ascents. He said the biggest mistake is trying to take in too much air or pushing too hard too quickly. Instead, climbers learn a steady rhythm of breathing — calm, controlled, intentional.

“Slow breath, steady steps, eyes on the path,” he said. “That’s how you reach the summit.”

Walking with God is much the same.

We don’t force strength; we receive it.

We don’t sprint in panic; we move in trust.

We don’t hold our breath in fear; we breathe with Him — one steady rhythm at a time.

Strength for today comes not from trying harder, but from breathing deeper in God’s presence.

Prayer

Everlasting God,

You know my limits and my needs.

Give me Your strength for today — not yesterday’s worries or tomorrow’s concerns,

but this day’s portion.

Lift me when I feel faint, steady me when I am weary,

and renew my hope as I trust in You.

Teach me to breathe in Your peace and release my fear.

Amen.

Practice for Today: Breathe in… Breathe out

Find a quiet moment — a chair, a bench, a pause in your day. 

Breathe in: with the thought “Your strength.” Breathe out: focusing on “My fear.”

Repeat slowly several times. Let the rhythm remind you: 

Strength comes from God. Fear leaves in His presence. And He will give you what you need — for today.