I can admit now, over twenty years later, that I was not a very good babysitter. I remember one night when Liz (probably about eight months old) refused to stop crying. We walked back and forth in our living room with my shoulder getting wetter on every pass. After a good bit of time I said in frustration, “Liz, give it a rest, will ya?” Her response was silence. I realized that in all my walking and bouncing I hadn’t spoken to her. After that I didn’t stop. I told her about my last math test, my bus ride, what happened on Star Trek – anything to let her hear my voice. She needed to know somebody had heard her cries.

At the time Isaiah writes down his words from the Lord, some Israelites wondered if God was listening to their cries. We don’t know all the details of their circumstances, but do we need those details? Haven’t you had times in your life where you’ve wondered if it’s worth it to “trouble deaf heaven” as Shakespeare once asked? Do my prayers reach the One whom they’re addressed? If they do, can He see me down here? Does it matter to Him? Listen to God’s answer through Isaiah:They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

“Why do you say, O Jacob, and complain, O Israel, “My way is hidden from the LORD; my cause is disregarded by my God”? Do you not now? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 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.” (Isaiah 40:27-31, ESV)

Do not think heaven is deaf – the Lord hears your cries! He’ll give strength to the weary and increase the power of the weak. Just hope in the Lord. He promises to send you soaring!