Isaiah 35:3Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

This does not refer to the physical members of the body; rather, it highlights those who are spiritually faltering, ensnared in deception and confusion, where the fruits of holiness, steadfastness, and a mind walking in the way of righteousness are lacking. But strengthen yourselves, He says, so that you may draw near to God. And you, who have been called to the sacred ministry of preaching, offer comfort to the weary, reassuring the fainthearted by saying, "Be strong, do not fear; for the minds of those who are unfamiliar with God are frail; they fear the assaults of passions, the influence of the enemy who once ruled over them, and death itself. But behold, He continues, the Savior is not far away, who will execute judgment. He will confront the ruler of this world and liberate those oppressed by Satan from their bondage. For He will come; He will come to save us. Indeed, He will arrive to those who inhabit the earth, and the sightless will have their eyes opened.

Hence, the call to strengthen yourselves and not to fear is given not without purpose; the exhortation to be strong is intentionally linked with the admonition to not be fearful, as the restoration of physical movement comes with the promise of renewed strength—“Get up, take up your bed and go to your house” (Luke 5:24)—and a revitalized spirit, enabling one to stand firm against those who question, "Who can forgive sins but God alone?" (Luke 5:21).

Embracing Christianity requires a significant exertion of willpower and self-denial to cast aside the burdens of paganism, which is precisely what the prophet urges those ensnared in the overpowering grips of sensuality and spiritual lethargy: strengthen the weak hands and steady the trembling knees—meaning to boldly confront sensuality and to embark on the path of truth and salvation with confidence and joy. However, those called to this endeavor may find themselves aware of their precarious spiritual condition and the need to escape it; despite their cognitive acknowledgment of the truth, they may still feel inner conflict and uncertainty. They may possess intellectual conviction but hesitate to publicly profess it due to the difficulty of breaking ingrained habits and the potential risks involved. It can be daunting to transform pagan beliefs into a commitment to Christ when faced with opposition from steadfast pagans among family, society, and authority. It is against this timidity that the prophet speaks out, providing comfort to the faint-hearted and urging them to overcome their fears, emphasizing that taking the first courageous step will unlock the strength needed to continue. While there is no doubt that they will endure hardships from adversaries, ultimate victory will not belong to them. Those who suffer persecution should find solace in the assurance that the Lord will deliver just retribution to their enemies and grant them peace to live out their Christian faith unharmed.

Judea once faced devastation at the hands of the Assyrians, with the armies of Saint Nahirim surrounding Jerusalem's walls. Fear and despair gripped the Jews; their resolve faltered, and their spirits plummeted. The dire circumstances left them with little strength to confront such a formidable foe. Yet, the Lord, who permitted this trial, did not abandon them without hope. Through the prophet Isaiah, He reassures the disheartened by promising a return to peace, where the ravaged land will blossom anew like a flowering plant and regain its vibrant beauty. The plight of the inhabitants of this ruined land serves as a reflection of the desolate state the soul may sometimes endure—a condition filled with despair, spiritual decay, where nothing brings joy, and life feels meaningless. This precarious state can render an individual vulnerable to the adversary, leading to despair and potentially pushing one toward vice or even suicidal thoughts. Such despair may stem from excesses of worldly pleasures, shattered dreams, unrealized aspirations, disappointing endeavors, prolonged suffering or illness, or unsuccessful struggles against sinful behaviors. Regardless of the source of their despondency, it must be resisted fervently, for such weakness is intolerable in a Christian who must heed the apostolic commandment to remain vigilant, for the devil roams like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour (1 Pet. 5:8). How can one effectively combat this discouragement? Where can one find solace and encouragement? Through prayer for peace, patience, and courage for the troubled soul, and in engaging with the Scriptures, which serve not merely as a collection of information but as a living testament to God's grace and the insight of the Holy Spirit; those who approach the Word with reverence enter into communion with the Holy Spirit, who inspired its message and continues to breathe life into it. A remedy for discouragement can also be found in the grace bestowed through the sacraments of confession and communion, in fellowship with those seasoned in spiritual matters, and in reflecting on the detrimental impacts of despair on present and future life, as well as on the eternal joys awaiting the faithful soldiers of Christ who steadfastly guard their salvation through an unwavering battle against the schemes of the enemy. Those who avail themselves of these saving means to dispel the spirit of despondency will find restoration to a healthy mental state, enabling them to rise and engage in good works, to stand firm in their faith, and to replace cowardice and spiritual hopelessness with renewed courage.