A made bed is not significant. Unless.
Unless it’s the first time it has been made for more than a week. Unless it’s the first time I’ve been out of bed longer than the time it takes me to just brush my teeth. Unless it’s the first time there’s more to my day than lying with my eyes closed because I just can’t keep them open. It’s then that the insignificant becomes significant. That made bed becomes a picture of grace. It becomes a reminder of mercy—mercy that has never failed me.
A life without trouble is not a promise we have been given. What we are promised—what we do have—is a Keeper, an always present Safeguard. One who is right there with us. Another in the fire. Another in the waiting. Another in the in-between.
Knowing that God is a god who enters into my suffering silences the accusations and blame against Him, the doubts and questions of Him. And knowing that leads to more knowing. Knowing that God is sovereign, in control, making a way. Knowing that He not only moves in love but He deals with me in love. Always. Knowing that God foresees every difficulty before I even know it is coming. Knowing that He has provision readied. Knowing that—knowing Him—enables me to see Him. It opens my eyes to His grace as it unfurls before me, even in the seeming insignificance of a made bed.
Here’s the thing: God imparts strength as we come to know Him. As we seek Him and rely on Him. As we do what we know to do. As we rest. As we wait for the better day to come. With that, comes renewal.
Isaiah 40:31 says:
But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him]
Will gain new strength and renew their power;
They will lift up their wings [and rise up close to God] like eagles [rising toward the sun]
They will run and not become weary,
They will walk and not grow tired.
Likely the most uncomplicated definition of renew is to change. But it also means to re-establish, to give fresh life or strength. And this: to put on afresh. So, Isaiah is saying to wait for—to hope, to trust in—the Lord is to keep putting on fresh strength, to keep knowing Him and who He is. Then—only then—we will not become weary, we will not become exhausted with this life.
