Strength for the Weary

by Derek W.H. Thomas

Life is not easy. Its many trials often leave us wondering how we can press on in a fallen world. When we receive fresh wounds before old ones heal, we often are tempted to despair. We share this experience with the ancient people of God, and we can also share in the profound comfort God offered them. In the final chapters of Isaiah, the prophet presents a significant set of encouragements for the people of God as they journey through a world filled with trials and sorrow. In Strength for the Weary , Dr. Derek W.H. Thomas explores the final chapters of Isaiah, laying out the remarkable promises that God makes to His people. In these pages, there is consolation in the struggles of this life and encouragement for the road ahead. The God of Comfort has promised to be with His people always.

Genres: Christian, Theology, Christian Living, Christianity, Nonfiction, Christian Non Fiction, Faith

141 pages, Hardcover

Published March 22, 2018

About the author

Originally from Wales, Dr. Derek Thomas is the John E. Richards Professor of Systematic and Practical Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson, Mississippi. After pastoring for 17 years in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Dr Thomas returned to the USA in 1996 where, in addition to his work at the seminary, he serves as the Minister of Teaching at First Presbyterian Church in Jackson.

In addition to serving in the pastorate, Derek has served as editor of the Evangelical Presbyterian, a monthly denominational magazine. A 1978 graduate of RTS, he gained a Ph.D. from the University of Wales, Lampeter, in Calvin’s preaching on the book of Job. He has written numerous books, including The Storm Breaks: Job Simply Explained, Wisdom: the Key to Living God’s Way, and God Strengthens: Ezekiel Simply Explained, Making the Most of Your Devotional Life based on the Ascent Psalms, and Praying the Savior’s Way, based on the Lord’s Prayer. Recently he published Let’s Study Revelation (Banner of Truth), Let’s Study Galatians (Banner of Truth), and Calvin’s Teaching on Job: Proclaiming the Incomprehensible God (Christian Focus). He also co-edited, Give Praise To God: A Vision for Reforming Worship (P & R).

His interests include the music of Anton Bruckner, Richard Wagner and Gustav Mahler as well as a passion for good coffee.

He has been married to his wife, Rosemary, for almost 30 years. They have two adult children, Ellen and Owen.

Reviews

[Sunshine Cunningham · Rating 5 out of 5]

The beginning of this year, I went to a bible conference and one of the speakers was the author of this book. So once the end of the conference was over, I bought this book. Now finally reading, it’s a great book especially if you are low in spirit and faith which I was but now I am not. For all things in life comes from Him. The trials of life will pass. And the new heavens and new heavens are worth the wait. Recommended to all.

[Justin Feland · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a decent book that draws from the deep well of comfort provided in the second half of Isaiah (chapters 40-66). Derek Thomas does a good job of drawing some key and comforting concepts out of these chapters. A very encouraging little volume.

The book did read more like a sermon manuscript than an actual book. Some thoughts felt disjointed alone the way. It felt less like an argument and more like a collection of nice thoughts. There’s nothing inherently wrong with this, of course, and does not imply that the book is not helpful. It’s just not what I tend to look for in a good book.

Nonetheless, excellent read. Would definitely recommend to someone struggling with hard times or doubts.

[Nichole Perez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very quick read. Only 127 pages but the pages are short. I loved it. Makes me wanna become way more familiar with the book of Isaiah and then reread.

I especially loved the 6th and the last chapter. The 6th titled “A Well-Watered Garden” about the Sabbath and the last “New Heavens and New Earth” about the future.

“For Zion's sake I will not keep silent,
and for Jerusalem's sake I will not be quiet,
until her righteousness goes forth as brightness,
and her salvation as a burning torch.
2 The nations shall see your righteousness,
and all the kings your glory,
and you shall be called by a new name
that the mouth of the Lord will give.
3 You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord,
and a royal diadem in the hand of your God.
4 You shall no more be termed Forsaken,
and your land shall no more be termed Desolate,
but you shall be called My Delight Is in Her,
and your land Married;
for the Lord delights in you,
and your land shall be married.
5 For as a young man marries a young woman,
so shall your sons marry you,
and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride,
so shall your God rejoice over you.”
Isaiah 62:1-5

[Steve Hemmeke · Rating 3 out of 5]

A series of 8 sermons/meditations on select passages from Isaiah 40-65, Thomas does stick with the theme: God Himself is strength for the weary. Through His endurance, forgiveness, Sabbath rest, even His chastisement, which is NOT abandonment, the Lord God of all causes us to endure, and even to rejoice in Him.

Thomas' style (and accent?) is much like Sinclair Ferguson's. The emphasis is on explaining Scripture in a clear and engaging way, with the occasional illustration. Some examples:

On idolatry from Isaiah 47:
"Getting what our hearts dream of could be our greatest undoing. Why? Because our hearts dream of less than they should. We were made to glorify God, but our hearts dream of self-glory." (52)

On God as gatherer and rescuer of His people from Isaiah 43:
" 'I will find you,' God seems to be saying, 'wherever you are.'"
Thomas recounts "The Last of the Mohicans," when Nathaniel says to the girl, "I will find you, no matter how long it takes, no matter how far. I will find you."
A powerful illustration for those who know the story. (27)

The best thing about the book is that Thomas points us to who God is, as the source of our encouragement and strength. It isn't tips or life hacks or positive thinking that we need, but God Himself.

[Shawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

2019: Read an ebook version - 3 star
2021: Reading a paperback version … may have to change my star rating.
Yes, I am adding another star. The first time I read this book I was expecting encouragement for one weary in the midst of “a” trial. I missed the correct message which is to receive encouragement from God’s Word through all of your trials. Recognize what He has done for His people, and press on and “by the grace of God, give yourself to what really lasts: the new heavens and the new earth. This alone provides strength for the weary.”

[George Herndon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful book that granted me an entirely new perspective on Isaiah. Rich theological comfort from start to finish.

[William Schrecengost · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book on the end of Isaiah.

[Randall Hartman · Rating 4 out of 5]

To me, 2018 felt like another in a multi-year succession of ongoing trials. As a result, this book’s title piqued my interest. After reading excerpts such as, “Finding help in the midst of our trials is what this book is about,” and this book “is designed to...provide encouragement to weary pilgrims on their journey through this world of trial and sorrow,” I eagerly asked for and received Strength for the Weary as a Christmas gift from one of my daughters.

Strength for the Weary is based on the latter portion of Isaiah (Chapters 40-66), set in the then-current and yet-to-come trials of God’s people at the hands of foreign invaders and captors. Thomas links our situation to Israel’s: “Gloom may descend on us in very different circumstances...this is where the consolations of Isaiah 40 have timeless value. There is comfort here for me in my situation.”

After finishing its 8 brief chapters, I realized that my urgency in coming to the book was somewhat tainted by a misguided desire for an immediate dose of relief. This book is not a “three steps to happiness” quick-fix and will disappoint if that’s what you’re seeking. It is not the latest novel reinterpretation of scripture or a self-help pick-me-up, but rather is time-tested, God-inspired truth about life, evil, trouble, and (importantly), God’s sovereignty over all.

It is a serious reminder for the Christian to eschew emotional experience-driven perceptions of the world and to focus on what is real, eternal, and essential. It exhorts us to take our eyes off what appears to be real and to give ourselves to Him who is real, to anchor ourselves in the Word He has given and the character of the Giver, both of which point to what God has done and is doing in eternity.

The author takes us through God’s direction to His weary people for finding strength based on who He is, who they are to Him, what He has done, what He commands us to do, and what to anticipate with certainty He will ultimately do:
• For renewed vitality and strength, focus on who God is, the guarantee of His promises, and the character of the One who makes them;
• Examine and understand the causes of our trials (which may include our own sin) and remember that God is our restorer and reviver;
• Affirm that the purpose of our sovereign God is behind everything, even if we cannot see it;
• Remember that God is greater than all and is our eternal burden-bearer;
• Recognize that our Savior, the Messiah Jesus, is King, Servant, and Conqueror;
• Rest in God’s covenant love for His people (rooted in the saving work of Jesus) for those who by faith listen to His command, forsake their sin, and return to Him;
• Grasp that God’s word is essential, superior to our thoughts and reasoning, powerfully life-giving and life-enriching, and effective so that it will always achieve what God intends;
• Live by faith, which includes obedience to His word (commands) along with regular Sabbath rest, a God-designed help for the weary;
• Rejoice that God’s plan is true and lasting joy for those clothed in His righteousness, whom He eternally loves and cherishes, with Jesus always interceding for us and beckoning us to find strength in prayer;
• Knowing the glorious future that awaits us, live in a manner that anticipates it (holiness); and therefore,
• Give yourself to what really lasts (God’s promise of an eternal new heavens and earth with Him)—this alone provides strength for the weary.

I offer only two modest critiques: first, each chapter covers a lot of ground and may require rereading to see how you got from Point A to Point Z. It’s there, but it requires you to engage, and I personally would have benefited from a clearer roadmap. Second, I was disappointed by inclusion of a quote from another writer’s blog post dating to the 2016 U.S. Presidential election. It presented a one-sided, stereotyped view of social justice combined with false dichotomies often used to shut down thoughtful discussion of complex issues. Thankfully it was short, but its unfortunate inclusion reinforces my strong view that it is critical to hear and understand both sides of an issue before pronouncing sound-bite judgment. A little leaven leavens the whole lump, and this little bit almost derailed my appreciation of the book.

[Erknee Part-Rich · Rating 1 out of 5]

After reading the preface you realize that Dr. Thomas is a devout Calvinist. If you adhere to the doctrine of predestination and take comfort in using select passages from certain parts of the Bible to explain your doctrine you may get something out of this book. I received this book as a gift after my daughter was tragically killed. I read it in hopes that it would offer comfort, but it didn't. It is more like the notes from an average sermon from a Calvinist pastor on parts of Isaiah. If you are grieving the loss of someone close I would not recommend this book. I haven't read other works by Dr. Thomas, but I would hope they are better than "Strength for the Weary". This is not a very inspiration book.

[Mark Moore · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hate to give this book 3 stars because I really like Derek Thomas and think that this book contains good content...I would give it 3.5 starts if I could. It’s not the individual content of each chapter that I’m rating 3 stars, but the connection of the all the content in the book as a whole...it felt more like a collection of meditations on Isaiah than a book about its title. Retitled and rebranded, I might have given it a higher rating.

[Kofi Opoku · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very encouraging read. Dr. Thomas draws from Isaiah 40 - 66 to provide the weary pilgrim with refreshment and show him how to live in hope of the glory that awaits us all.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have no idea where or why I got this book.

It was an excellent read, and one I'd consider rereading whenever I'd want the encouragement.

It's a dramatic study on the second half of the book of Isaiah on hope & encouragement for the believers.

I liked this quote about idols: "Ancient idols required the sacrifice of a life. Make no mistake; modern idols do, too. Idols want all of you. They promise everything and deliver nothing. We sacrifice to them, and they in turn manipulate and control. Idols are abusive & tyrannical. They cheat ... Not only that, they are powerless to save, heal, or restore. They offer hope & a purpose but return only disappointment and guilt."

It made me think of the question: "How are your idols lying to you?"

I thought it was interesting that the author separates God's will into two parts: decretive will, His decrees, and preceptive will, expressing precepts.

I don't know how that relates to the two parts of God's will that I've heard before: God's perfect will, meaning His perfect plan, and God's permissive will, meaning what He graciously allows but would not have chosen, such as His allowing us to sin.

David Wells called idolatry "trusting some substitute for God to serve some uniquely diving function."

"Humor was a peculiar way in which ancient Israel adjusted to life in foreign cultures." Hmm. Made me think of how we might apply this as our culture becomes more and more "foreign" to us in the sense that it becomes less & less Christian.

"Our desires spiral into self-aggrandizing schemes of personal advancement that can never ultimately fulfill & satisfy. Nevertheless, God often grants that for which we ask. Thus, Paul warns of God's judgment: He 'gave them up in the lusts of their hearts' (Rom 1:24)"

That made me think of the verse, "And He gave them their request, but sent leanness into their soul." - Psalm 106:15

"He feeds on ashes; a deluded heart has led him astray..." - Isaiah 44:20

"'The god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing.' (2 Cor. 4:4)."

"Success merely gives us hope for this world, but none for the world to come."

"What is your only comfort in life and in death?"
"That I am not my own, but belong -body and soul, in life and in death - to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ." - The Heidelberg Catechism

"My chosen shall long enjoy the work of their hands.
They shall not labor in vain or bear children for calamity...
Before they call I will answer;
while they are yet speaking I will hear."
- Isaiah 65

It's an interesting idea that Derek Thomas thinks the reason that God hears so readily at that point in time will be because our requests more closely follow His heart.

"The good - the joy and fullness of life in the new heaven & new earth - will so outweigh the evil of our current existence that the latter will have no opportunity to rise and haunt us."
Beautiful!

"Imagine what it would be like to live without frustration, disappointment, or injustice."
Again, that would be beautiful!

[Bill Pence · Rating 5 out of 5]

The latest book by a respected pastor and theologian, is a devotional book written for the purpose of encouraging downtrodden pilgrims. He tells us that weariness in the Christian life is something we all experience at some stage or another. Finding help in the midst of our trials and finding God in difficult times is what this book is about.
This short book, which originated as part of a short series of sermons the author preached, is not a commentary on the entirety of the second half of Isaiah. Instead, the author has chosen some of the great texts from this portion of Scripture. The author uses passages that have meant a great deal to him over the years, and he writes that they seem particularly poignant for the antagonistic culture in which we currently live. The book is intended to provide encouragement to weary pilgrims on their journey through this world of trial and sorrow.
I was encouraged as I read this book and highlighted many passages as I read it. Below are a few that stood out for me.
1. God knows the end and the beginning. And when we find ourselves in the fog of despair, He knows the way out. He knows how this story will end because He has planned it and controls it.
2. For in the midst of the pain and heartache is our inscrutable, unchangeable, sovereign Lord. And when we discover Him, and fall into His arms, there is a peace that surpasses all understanding (Phil. 4:7).
3. There is always a purpose behind what is happening, even if we cannot see it. It is the purpose of God.
4. Isaiah offers confidence for those who have lost all sense of hope. He offers meaning and purpose where there is only vanity and despair. When all you have is an ache or a longing, there is an invitation to salvation and wholeness.
5. To both the hopeless and the dissatisfied, Isaiah offers confidence and fulfillment.
6. It is one thing to impose laws and ceremonies that God has not commanded and make this everything. It is another to neglect laws and ceremonies that God has commanded and think this is nothing.
7. The Sabbath is designed as help for the weary. It provides a taste of gospel rest and a foretaste of eternal rest.
8. Until His kingdom comes. Strength is found in prayer.
9. God intends for us an existence in which we will never die or experience the pain of loss or suffering.
10. Giving yourself to things that ultimately have no lasting value will ultimately destroy you. Instead, and by the grace of God, give yourself to what really lasts: the new heavens and new earth. This alone provides strength for the weary.

[Peter Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this series of nine sermons turned into a book, Strength for the Weary, Derek Thomas looks at selected passages from the second half of the book of Isaiah to point the weary to strength.

Thomas explains that our weariness is often caused by idolatry of one kind or another, so the answer is to put away our idols and turn to the One and Only God.

The remedy to being weary is to look to the Lord, Who He is, His promises, to have growing faith, hope, and obedience to the moral law.

Thomas covers a great deal of theology in this short book, giving hope and direction to those who are weary and buffeting our hope in the physical kingdom and the life to come when the lion and lamb lie down together and there is no violence in all God’s holy mountain.

If you are weary, you need this book.

[This review appears on my blog, my YouTube channel, Amazon.com, and Goodreads.com.]

[gail thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like the people of Judah during its captivity, at one time or another, everyone needs comfort and hope. In his latest volume, Strength for the Weary, Derek W.H. Thomas explores the last half of Isaiah and reveals the encouragement, compassion, and love of our faithful God. Isaiah 40-66, known as the Book of Consolation, is as applicable to the struggles within contemporary society as it was to Judah. In these short but refreshing studies of select passages of Isaiah, Thomas, discloses to us the solace, comfort, encouragement, and hope that we can experience despite our circumstances. As I read this book, I was reminded again and again of who I am and who God is and how I may rely on His promises to get me through any trial, disappointment, or discouragement. I recommend it to anyone who wants to experience the refreshment of God’s comfort and hope.

[Nicholas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book by pastor and scholar Dr. Derek Thomas looks at the problem of weariness in life, and how to find the strength and hope everyone needs at some points in our lives. Using selected passages from the last half of the Book of Isaiah, Thomas writes short, devotional-style chapters that addresses the ways that weariness can cause believers to worry, fear and doubt about life and God. But the author reminds Christians that God has promised to be with us through life, and to give us strength and grace in our trials. As one reads these reflections on some of the most encouraging passages in the entire Bible, you will become more energized, better able to place temporary difficulties and plain old being worn out into proper perspective. Thomas calls his readers to reach out to God and let Him provide the energy and ability to tackle a new day. Highly recommended!

[NinaB · Rating 4 out of 5]

This great book is a Bible study of the second half of the Book of Isaiah, which the rabbis call “The Book of Consolation.”. Dr. Thomas uses the warnings and consolations of the prophet Isaiah to Israel about upcoming trials that would be brought on by Babylon to comfort Christians to look at the promises of God as we endure trials ourselves.

Focusing on the character of God and the promise of the Suffering Servant’s coming, the author gives excellent encouragements to the burdened Christians as we traverse this wearisome world. The only reason I don’t give it a 5-star is because the author expresses in the book his Covenantalism, a belief I don’t hold to. Despite this difference, I recommend the book.

I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Kate Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The reason, or reasons that chapters 40-66 of Isaiah are collectively referred to as the Book of Consolation becomes very clear reading Strength for the Weary. A very appropriate title to a book which encourages, reassures, points to the reliability of God, and the hope He alone provides.
Derek W.H. Thomas provides 8 chapters, each with exposition of verses from Isaiah along with additional Scripture references that underpin his explainations.
I highly recommend this book to those who are feeling weary or in need of comfort, and also to all who wish to bathe in the truth of God's promises.....

[Alistair Chalmers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book to help people lift their eyes up out of the tiresome reality of living in a fallen world. This book is full of great truths and promises of God, and gives you many reasons to rejoice in and find refuge in Him.
The book explains a lot of the second half of Isaiah, i was a bit disappointed it didn’t go into the fasting chapter, but hey, can’t write about everything.
Larger review on my blog...

[Benjamin · Rating 5 out of 5]

In eight brief chapters, Thomas encourages the weary, not by directing them to buck up and persevere, but by directing them to God and his promises. He has chosen the latter portion of Isaiah (chapters 40-66) for this. It is a section of the Old Testament full of gospel promises. It makes for a nice Sabbath afternoon read, or for daily devotional reading for a little over a week. Definitely recommended.

[Jan Kimbro · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be a delight to my soul. It’s a wonderful banquet of truth, carefully prepared and served up from the book of Isaiah. It caused me to pause and take a fresh, long hard look at my God. It was a comforting and reassuring reminder that God’s promises are based on who He is - the Creator, eternal, powerful, all-wise, merciful, loving - and that He promises strength for those that hope in Him.

[Matt Crawford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strength for the weary is not a commentary. It does make it a point to state that. It is a series of verses in the second half of Isaiah and devotional thoughts on them. While it acts as an ode to Isaiah scholar Alec Motyer, it also reinforced the idea that Isaiah is the 5th Gospel. Isaiah 53 doea jot have the out in front that Isaiah commentaries usually do but issues such as sovereignty , suffering, theodicy, and creation are central

[Zacarias Rivera, Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a refreshing, renewing, and uplifting book. Dr. Thomas exegetes portions of Isaiah that indubitably demonstrate that God is for us, and will definitely care for us. I love the way Dr. Thomas analyzes the various verses, and his inclusion of numerous hymns whose words are so theologically rich.

[Johnvano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Profound. Enriching. Replete with Scripture. Forms a heavenly hope for the reader through the covenant of God with man. Based heavily in the prophecies of Israel, bringing them to fruition in the New Testament, and giving the reader a very relatable experience that challenges, convicts, and ultimately, provides the evidence for the all-satisfying rest available in the Father, through the Son.

[Paul Gosselin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well the title was interesting, but for the most part this book turned out to be little more than a collection of nice pious thoughts, nothing really life-changing. And the most serious lack in my view was any connection to any real-world experiences that Thomas might have lived through himself... Nothing about that. For those philosophically inclined, the last chapter was interesting.

[Nicholas Potts · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this book gave a great overview of what the Scriptures teach on strength for the weary, but I believe the book seriously lacked the pastoral practicalities necessary for a more solid rating. If you’re looking for facts on the issue or something that may give someone information that needs strength, this may be a fine resource. But it had its lacks.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Derek Thomas does a wonderful exposition of Isaiah, expounding on its themes of comfort for the true believer. I higy reccomend this to other Christians. It is a good reminder to set our hearts on things above.

[Lyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was amazing to read this alongside my daily reading of Isaiah as part of my read through the bible. Insightful expository and helpful drawing from other parts of the bible to paint a picture of hope and anticipation of Jesus in the new heavens and new earth.

[Brandon Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maybe this book is better than I'm giving it credit for, but the audio reader has such a monotone voice I had a really hard time staying engaged. The book wasn't the best at holding my interest anyway, but the reader totally killed it.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very timely and helpful book. Good notes and scripture references. Decidedly reliable author. Quote from the book: "He is a God who is eager for us to find peace and consolation amid the trials and hardships of life. A peacemaker. A caregiver.".