The Best Funeral Passage: Isaiah 40:31 – "Mount Up on Wings as Eagles"

Funerals are deeply emotional experiences, a time to mourn the loss of a loved one while reflecting on the beauty of their life. For many, scripture offers solace, hope, and the promise of eternal rest. One of the most profound passages often chosen for funerals is Isaiah 40:31: "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."

This verse, brimming with imagery of renewal and divine strength, has always been my favorite funeral passage. It speaks to both the departed and those of us left behind, offering a promise of endurance, spiritual freedom, and ultimate peace.

The Context of Isaiah 40:31
Isaiah 40 is a chapter of reassurance, spoken to a weary and exiled Israel. The prophet Isaiah reminds God’s people of His infinite power and unfailing care. After describing God as Creator and Sustainer, Isaiah assures them that, even in their exhaustion and despair, hope in the Lord will bring renewal and strength.

The imagery of soaring eagles, tireless runners, and endless walkers captures God’s ability to lift His people above their struggles. For those grieving at a funeral, this passage becomes a powerful reminder that the journey isn’t over—it’s transformed.

Strength Renewed in Grief

One of the reasons Isaiah 40:31 resonates at funerals is its acknowledgment of weariness. Losing a loved one can feel overwhelming. Grief takes a physical, emotional, and spiritual toll. Isaiah doesn’t deny this reality; instead, it offers a path forward: “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.”

The Hebrew word for “wait” conveys not only patience but active hope and trust in God. This isn’t a passive waiting—it’s a reliance on God to provide the strength we cannot summon on our own. When we lean on Him in times of mourning, we find the resilience to face the days ahead.

Mounting Up with Wings as Eagles

The eagle is one of the most majestic creatures in the animal kingdom, often associated with strength, freedom, and grace. In the Bible, the eagle symbolizes God’s care and protection, as in Deuteronomy 32:11, where God is likened to an eagle stirring its nest and spreading its wings over its young.

For me, the image of “mounting up with wings as eagles” is both comforting and inspiring. It suggests that, through faith, we are not bound by earthly sorrow. Instead, we are lifted above our pain, carried by God’s strength.

This verse assures us that our loved ones, too, are no longer weighed down by the burdens of this world. They are soaring, free from pain, worry, and limitation.

Running Without Weariness

Grief often feels like running a marathon we didn’t sign up for. Days stretch into nights, and it can feel impossible to keep going. Isaiah promises, however, that those who hope in the Lord will “run and not be weary.”

This promise isn’t just for the departed—it’s for the living. It speaks to the resilience God provides to those navigating the often exhausting process of mourning. The strength He offers isn’t fleeting or temporary; it’s a deep, abiding energy that sustains us through the darkest moments.

Walking Without Fainting

Finally, Isaiah assures us that we will “walk and not faint.” There are times in grief when running feels impossible, when soaring like an eagle feels out of reach. On those days, we simply put one foot in front of the other.

This part of the verse reminds us that God’s strength meets us where we are. If all we can do is walk, He will sustain us. There’s no rush, no pressure—just the quiet assurance that, with His help, we can keep moving forward.

A Message of Hope for the Departed

For those we mourn, Isaiah 40:31 offers a glimpse of eternity. Their earthly journey has ended, but their strength is renewed in God’s presence. They have mounted up on wings as eagles, soaring into the peace and joy of heaven.

This imagery brings comfort, reminding us that death is not the end but a transformation. Our loved ones are free from pain and weariness, experiencing the fullness of God’s promise.

A Message of Comfort for the Living

For those left behind, Isaiah 40:31 is a call to hope. It reminds us that we are not alone in our grief. God walks with us, renews our strength, and lifts us up when we feel we cannot go on.

The verse doesn’t promise a life free from sorrow, but it does promise that sorrow will not have the final word. As we wait upon the Lord, we find the strength to honor our loved ones’ memory and continue our own journey of faith.

Practical Ways to Embrace Isaiah 40:31 in Grief

1. Lean Into Prayer: Waiting on the Lord begins with prayer. Share your heart with God—your pain, confusion, and hopes. Trust that He hears you and will respond.
2. Find Strength in Community: Grief is not meant to be borne alone. Surround yourself with loved ones who can walk beside you, offering encouragement and support.
3. Reflect on the Promise: Meditate on the imagery of the eagle, the runner, and the walker. Visualize your loved one soaring in freedom and yourself finding strength for the journey ahead.
4. Take One Step at a Time: Remember that it’s okay to move slowly. Whether you’re soaring, running, or walking, God’s strength is sufficient for each step.

Why Isaiah 40:31 is My Favorite Funeral Passage

I’ve heard Isaiah 40:31 read at many funerals, but it wasn’t until I experienced personal loss that its message truly resonated. In moments of deep grief, when words of comfort felt hollow and hope seemed distant, this passage reminded me of God’s faithfulness.

The promise of renewed strength, the image of soaring like an eagle, and the assurance that we are never alone brought peace to my heart. It’s a passage that speaks to the depths of human sorrow while lifting us toward the heights of divine hope.

A Final Reflection

As we gather to celebrate the lives of those we’ve lost, Isaiah 40:31 offers a message of hope that transcends time. It reminds us that, through faith, we are renewed, sustained, and ultimately lifted into God’s loving embrace.

For the departed, this verse is a declaration of their eternal peace. For the living, it is a promise of strength for the journey ahead.
So, the next time you feel weary in grief, remember Isaiah’s words:
“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”
And know that God’s love will carry you through.
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