Isaiah 31 - CEV Revised 2006 (Global CEV) (CEVUS06)

1. Seek Strength in God’s Presence

“Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually!” – 1 Chronicles 16:11

Life can be tough, and sometimes you feel like you’re carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. But you don’t have to face it alone. God’s strength is always available—if you seek Him. Just like you check your phone for updates throughout the day, make seeking God your daily habit. His presence is where real strength comes from.

Question: What is one way you can remind yourself to seek God’s strength every day?

2. Strength to Keep Going

“He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; 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 40:29-31

Even the strongest people get tired. No matter how fit, smart, or capable you are, life will wear you out at some point. But God offers a different kind of strength—one that doesn’t run out. When you trust in Him, He renews you, lifting you up like an eagle soaring in the sky. Instead of running on empty, you’ll have the energy to keep moving forward.

Question: When was a time you felt completely exhausted, and how did God help you keep going?

3. Strength and Peace Go Together

“May the LORD give strength to his people! May the LORD bless his people with peace!” – Psalm 29:11

Strength isn’t just about muscles or willpower—it’s also about having peace in your heart. Many people chase after strength in ways that leave them stressed and anxious. But God gives strength that comes with peace. When you rely on Him, you don’t just survive; you thrive with confidence and calmness.

Question: How does trusting God bring peace even in stressful situations?

4. Strength to Overcome Fear

“Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the LORD GOD is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.” – Isaiah 12:2

Fear can paralyze you. It can stop you from chasing your dreams, standing up for what’s right, or even believing in yourself. But when you know that God is your strength, fear loses its grip. Instead of being controlled by what-ifs and doubts, you can step forward with courage, knowing that God is with you.

Question: What fear do you need to give to God today, trusting that He is your strength?

5. Courage Comes from God

“Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the LORD!” – Psalm 31:24

Sometimes, being strong means holding on when you feel like letting go. It means trusting God when you don’t see the answers yet. Strength isn’t about having everything figured out—it’s about trusting that God does. So take heart! The waiting season isn’t wasted; it’s where God builds your faith.

Question: What is something you are waiting on God for, and how can you stay encouraged in the process?

6. Strength from the Inside Out

“that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being” – Ephesians 3:16

Real strength isn’t just about what people see on the outside—it starts in your heart. God doesn’t just give you physical strength; He fills your soul with power through His Spirit. When life feels overwhelming, His Spirit gives you the strength to stand firm, love deeply, and keep going even when it’s hard.

Question: How can you rely more on God’s Spirit for strength in your daily life?

7. God’s Spirit, Not Your Own Strength

“Then he said to me, ‘This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of hosts.'” – Zechariah 4:6

The world tells you to hustle, grind, and rely on your own strength to succeed. But God says that true victory comes through His Spirit. No matter how smart, strong, or talented you are, it’s God who opens doors, gives wisdom, and makes the impossible possible. Stop trying to do it all on your own—let His Spirit lead the way.

Question: Where in your life do you need to stop relying on your own strength and start trusting in God’s Spirit?

Final Thought

Life throws challenges at you, but you don’t have to face them alone. God’s strength is available for you every single day. Which of these verses speaks to you the most? Take time to reflect, pray, and walk in His strength!

I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth.

As we step into a brand-new year, it’s easy to get caught up in the “New Year, New Me” vibe. Social media is buzzing with resolutions, glow-ups, and vision boards. But let’s pause for a second, what if a fresh start isn’t just about what we do but about what God is doing in us?

1. A Promise of Renewal

The Bible is full of stories where God hits the reset button. Think about Noah. After the flood, God gave humanity a second chance. The rainbow became a symbol of His promise to never give up on us. Genesis 9:13 says, “I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth.” This covenant reminds us that no matter how overwhelming life gets, God is always faithful to renew His relationship with us. He’s not just a God of second chances but of endless chances, each wrapped in His love and grace.

2. Grace for the Israelites

The Israelites messed up countless times, yet God’s grace led them into the Promised Land. His faithfulness shows us that no mistake is too big for a fresh start. Deuteronomy 31:8 reminds us, “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Even in seasons of wandering and waiting, God was their guide and protector. This narrative is a powerful reminder that God’s presence remains constant, even when we lose our way.

3. Becoming a New Creation

Through Jesus, we’re not just given a clean slate, we’re made new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 declares, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” This verse is a reminder that God’s transformation starts within. Being a new creation doesn’t mean life gets easier; it means we’re empowered by the Holy Spirit to live differently. It’s about leaving behind the labels and lies that once defined us and stepping boldly into the identity God has given us.

4. Letting Go of the Past

Sometimes life feels messy, and it’s hard to move forward. But God’s Word encourages us to release what’s behind. Isaiah 43:18-19 says, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!” God’s plans for us are always forward-focused. Letting go doesn’t mean pretending the pain or mistakes never happened. It means trusting God to use even our brokenness for His glory and to lead us into something better.

5. Daily Renewal Through Mercy

God’s mercies aren’t just for the start of the year, they’re new every single morning. Lamentations 3:22-23 proclaims, “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” This means every day is a fresh start. No matter how badly yesterday went, today is a chance to start over with God’s compassion as our foundation. His love is unshakable, and His faithfulness is unending.

6. Bold Steps of Faith

A fresh start often requires bold moves, like stepping out in faith. Joshua 1:9 encourages us, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Trust that God’s got your back as you move forward. Taking bold steps can feel scary, but it’s often where we grow the most. It’s in these moments of uncertainty that we discover the depth of God’s strength and provision.

7. Trusting in His Plans

As we embrace a new year, we can find peace in knowing that God’s plans are always for our good. Jeremiah 29:11assures us, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” This promise doesn’t mean life will be problem-free, but it does mean that God’s purposes are perfect. Even when things don’t make sense, we can trust that He is working all things together for our good.

How to Make It Practical

Pray About It: Ask God to show you what areas of your life need a reset. Be honest with Him; He can handle it.
Find Your Squad: Surround yourself with people who point you toward Jesus. Life hits different when you’ve got a community that lifts you up.
Set God-Centered Goals: Instead of just focusing on fitness or finances, think about how you can grow spiritually this year. Maybe it’s reading your Bible daily or serving others.

A Fresh Start for Everyone

Whether you’re stepping into this year with excitement or dragging last year’s baggage behind you, remember this: God specializes in fresh starts. He’s not limited by our failures or fears. His love is bigger, His grace is stronger, and His plans are better than anything we could imagine.

So, as you kick off this year, don’t just strive for change, invite God into your journey. He’s ready to write a new chapter in your story. Are you?

Don't Trust the Power of Egypt

1 You are in for trouble

if you go to Egypt for help,

or if you depend on

an army of chariots

or a powerful cavalry.

Instead you should depend on

and trust the holy Lord God

of Israel.

2 The Lord isn't stupid!

He does what he promises,

and he can bring doom.

If you are cruel yourself,

or help those who are evil,

you will be destroyed.

3 The Egyptians are mere humans.

They aren't God.

Their horses are made of flesh;

they can't live forever.

When the Lord shows his power,

he will destroy the Egyptians

and all who depend on them.

Together they will fall.

4 The Lord All-Powerful

said to me,

“I will roar and attack

like a fearless lion

not frightened by the shouts

of shepherds trying to protect

their sheep.

That's how I will come down

and fight on Mount Zion.

5 I, the Lord All-Powerful,

will protect Jerusalem

like a mother bird circling

over her nest.”

Come Back to the Lord

6 People of Israel, come back!

You have completely turned

from the Lord.

7 The time is coming

when you will throw away

your idols of silver and gold,

made by your sinful hands.

8 The Assyrians will be killed,

but not by the swords

of humans.

Their young men will try

to escape,

but they will be captured

and forced into slavery.

9 Their fortress will fall

when terror strikes;

their army officers

will be frightened

and run from the battle.

This is what the Lord has said,

the Lord whose fiery furnace

is built on Mount Zion.