Daily Devotion

“He who knoweth how to walk from within, and to set little value upon outward things, requireth not places nor waiteth for seasons, for holding his intercourse with God. The inward man quickly recollecteth himself, because he is never entirely given up to outward things. No outward labour and no necessary occupations stand in his way, but as events fall out, so doth he fit himself to them.”

Thomas à Kempis · The Imitation of Christ, Book II, ch. 1 "Of the inward life" (tr. William Benham)

Scripture

Isaiah 40:29-31 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even young men grow weary and tired, and the strong stumble and fall, but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles, running and not growing weary, walking and not fainting.

Reflection

The pressures and hardships of life often leave us feeling exhausted, yet Thomas à Kempis reminds us that no outward labour stands in the way of the inward man, for his strength comes from inward communion with God. To be silent before God is not to escape reality, but to entrust our burdens to Him and draw renewed strength from Him. Isaiah chapter 40 teaches us that those who trust in the Lord will soar on wings like eagles, undeterred by weariness. May we learn to pause in our busy lives, seek God's peace and strength, and live out our heavenly hope.