Isaiah 49: 4 Then I said, ‘I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for nothing and in vain; Yet surely my just reward is with the LORD, And my work with my God.’”
This may have been Isaiah speaking in the first part of verse 49, expressing that he felt that his labor and work in the Lord was in vain. He did not seem to see any results from his work.
Also, in the middle part of the verse, he says the same thing a little differently. "I have spent my strength for nothing in vain"
This seems to mean, that as he looked back on all the work he had done, all the strength and energy that he had put into his work, his ministry that it was for nothing it was in vain, it was ( as far as he could tell ) futile and empty of results or fruit.
These thoughts and feelings of discouragement are not uncommon to the servants of God. In fact, there is no doubt that the Lord would not be the one to initiate them within a person's mind.
On the same note, many over the years have said, that discouragement is one of satan's "favorite tools and weapons" and he uses it all the time against God's people.
But, as we look at the rest of verse 4, we see the truth of God coming to the forefront of the prophets mind and heart. In other words, he was coming around to his right mind, to the mind of the Lord, the way things really are as far as God is concerned. This truth is truth, it's not a made up thing, to be used by the enemy to hurt and discourage, but to encourage, and to build up, and to give strength and peace.
Please note the two things that are said in 49:4b
1. "Yet surely my just ( or justice ) reward is with the Lord"
How true this is. Our service here on earth is connected with rewards and treasures that are being stored and reserved in heaven for us. God keeps them, and will give them to us when we arrive there in heaven.
2. "And my work ( or my recompense ) is with my God" The Bible teaches us, and tells us that God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love, and also that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
So, while we may feel sometimes like Isaiah did, ( and I'm quite certain we all do from time to time ) the truth is, that our feelings are just that feelings. And the eternal, true, truth is that God is reserving our treasures and rewards in heaven. And, there is coming a day when we will stand before Him, and He will lavishly distribute them to to us, and reward us in a just and gracious manner.
So, may you be encouraged today, as your thoughts might turn away from your feelings, and rest upon the truth found in God and in Christ, and in His precious Word.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia
