A bruised reed He will not break And a dimly burning wick He will not extinguish; He will faithfully bring forth justice. He will not be disheartened or crushed Until He has established justice in the earth; And the coastlands will wait expectantly for His law” Isaiah 42:3-4.

Two interesting objects are named in this messianic prophecy: a bruised reed, and a dimly burning wick (literally, smoking flax). A bruised reed is a damaged, fragile stalk, whereas a dimly burning wick is a lantern wick that is barely flickering for lack of oil. These are metaphors for those who are spiritually and emotionally injured, and those whose faith and hope are nearly exhausted. As one writer words it, “there is no man so bruised as that he is broken; none so injured as that restoration is impossible, no depravity so total but that it may be healed, none so far off but that he may be brought nigh.”

Is there anyone who hasn’t experienced some injury and exhaustion in life? The cynic states that life is hard, and then we die. The apostle Paul realistically asserted that, “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God” Acts 14:22. None get through life unscathed; all are bruised and exhausted to some degree at some point in time.

Some of you reading this today are keenly aware of your bruises and exhaustion. The painful bruising is very real, and your faith and hope seem almost extinguished. The good news is that we have a restoring messiah; one who will not be disheartened or crushed until perfect justice is established. In due time, He will heal our bruises and prevent our total spiritual exhaustion.

I personally find these words helpful and encouraging in this particular season of life. The spiritual supply of oil seems scarce, and the wick seems to be barely flickering. Thankfully my Savior will not let it be extinguished - for me or for you. So, as Isaiah referred to the coastlands, let us wait expectantly.

Be sure to also see Amazon ebook & print devotional and podcast: New Day Dawning.