Strength and Peace (Psalm 29:10-11)

Today’s scripture: Psalm 29:10-11

One day, we will stand before the throne of Almighty God. All people, whether they committed their lives to Jesus, will one day kneel at His feet.

One day.

But until then, those of us who are children of the Most High God through faith and belief in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ can be assured that God “will give strength to His people.”

I love promises like this. When I have no strength of my own, I’m confident that He will give me strength. I’ve experienced this very strength the last few weeks. It’s been an unusually hectic time with work and rehearsals and performances for a play I was in. There were many days when I had little strength, but God brought me through!

There’s a second promise in verse 11, though: God will “bless His people with peace.”

I write a lot about peace. We who are God’s children can really have a peace that surpasses understanding (Phil. 4:7). It’s true. Along with that strength God gave me lately, He gave me peace that covered stress.

He’s a good God! Yes, one day we’ll stand before His throne, but we can enjoy strength and peace while we linger here on earth.

My Saving Refuge (Psalm 28:8-9)

Today's scripture: Psalm 28:8-9

So many times, I have no strength of my own. Chronic illness saps my energy. Poor sleep makes me even groggier than usual (which is pretty groggy ...). Unknowns about the next steps of life's journey cause uncertainty.

Nope. No strength.

How blessed I am that I don't have to rely on my own strength because I serve the all-powerful God of the universe! He is my strength. He is my "saving refuge." I don't have to do this on my own!

I honestly don't know how those who aren't in relationship with God handle life. Really. I don't.

Trying to rely on my own strength (which we've already determined is nonexistent) is impossible. Having to rely on someone else? Well, first, that puts a lot of pressure on that "someone else." Second, what happens when he is out of strength? On whom then can either of us rely?

No. I don't have to be strong on my own nor do I have to rely on another's strength. I serve God, the all-powerful One. The one who gives me strength, who walks alongside me every day ... and carries me when what little strength I have gives out.

The Lord is my strength ... my saving refuge.

Praise Him!

My Strength and Shield (Psalm 28:6-7)

Today's scripture: Psalm 28:6-7

How often do you feel under attack? By so-called friends? By your boss? By those unseen forces (Ephesians 6:12)?

How often do you feel weak? By illness? By stress?

You are not alone. Never. The God of the universe will cover you with His strength. He will help you through each and every moment of difficulty. He will walk alongside you ... and carry you when you can't take another step.

You can trust Him fully and completely. You can rejoice in His daily care. You can praise and worship Him.

He loves you more than you can possibly imagine. He will shower you with peace and joy, if only you seek Him.

Bless His holy name. 

God of Mercy (Psalm 59:16-17)

Today’s scripture: Psalm 59:16-17

I’ve memorized several verses that speak to God’s being my refuge, my strength, my burden-bearer. These are my “go-to” verses when everything around me is chaos. I’ve sought these verses frequently in the last few weeks.

Psalm 46:1 reminds me that He is my refuge and help in times of trouble.

Jesus promises to help carry my burden when I’m weary in Matthew 11:28-30.

Paul writes how God’s strength comes through my weakness (2 Cor. 12:9).

And today’s verses again remind me that God “has been my defense and refuge in the day of my trouble.”

He indeed is my “God of mercy.”

And I’m so very blessed that I can go to His word and seek His promises.

For strength. For refuge. For rest when I’m weary.

Continue in Faith (Acts 14:21-22)

Today’s scripture: Acts 14:21-22

This world is a very hard place … a very hard place.

We see so much pain and suffering, tragedy and catastrophe. Sometimes, it’s difficult just putting one foot in front of the other … It’s enough to shake the faith of even the strongest believer.

The early church certainly had its share of “tribulations.” The martyrdom of Stephen. The persecution initiated by Saul. Yet during the darkest moments, faith “continued.” It grew. And the church flourished.

Our faith can continue as well. It can grow. It can flourish.

Even through the pain, the suffering … the tribulations.

If your faith is shaken, lay it all at the feet of Jesus. Seek the power of the Holy Spirit to strengthen and “continue” your faith.

Peace and Strength (Psalm 29:11)

Today’s scripture: Psalm 29:11

Often, I feel very, very weak—emotionally, mentally, spiritually. The world seems to be closing in, and I can’t seem to dodge the boulders being tossed at me, right and left.

Often, I try to take on the world and its challenges on my own, and I feel the weight crushing me, pushing me down until I lie prostrate on the ground.

I can’t do this, I think.

And I’m right. I can’t do this—on my own, that is.

We humans are fleshly, fallen, frail creatures, and we don’t have the strength to combat what this world throws at us. We truly are incapable.

But we do have Someone who can give us all the strength we need: our heavenly Father. He promises strength to us. In fact, as the apostle Paul wrote, we “can do all things through Christ who strengthens” us (Philippians 4:13). 

And along with that strength, He promises peace. He will bless us with peace.

Yes, we may be incapable, but He is more than capable. We can trust in His strength; we can trust in His peace.

When was the last time you tried to handle the world’s challenges on your own? How did it go? Maybe you’re trying to dodge those boulders right now. Ask God to give you His strength to help you through.

Great Promises! (2 Timothy 4:17-19)

Today’s scripture: 2 Timothy 4:17-19

Three promises … Two for today. One for tomorrow.

“The Lord [stands] with me and strengthen[s] me” each and every day. To be honest, this is the promise that keeps me going. If it weren’t for the confidence I have that God is with me every day, right by my side, I don’t know how I’d make it.

If you’ve been a regular follower of these daily devotionals, you know I suffer from several chronic health issues. I feel constant pain and weariness, and my energy level is usually quite low. I desperately need the strength of my heavenly Father to get me through each day. And that’s not an exaggeration. Too many mornings I wake up, and it’s all I can do to get out of bed. And yet, each evening, I crawl back into bed, knowing I accomplished much through God-given strength.

“The Lord rescue[s] me from every evil deed.” We’ve talked a lot about battles, and I find great comfort in knowing the Lord “has my back.” No matter what the enemy throws at me, God will rescue me. He’ll protect me as I continue this earthly journey.

And the promise for tomorrow?

One day, He “will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom.” One day, all my weariness and pain will end. One day, I will no longer have to battle against the enemy of my soul. One day, I’ll be in the very presence of my God—Father, Son, and Spirit.

How blessed I am to know that God never leaves me nor forsakes me here on earth (Deut. 31:6, 8; Josh. 1:5; Ps. 27:9; Heb. 13:5). And how even more blessed I am that one day I’ll shed this earthly skin and spend eternity with the Lord.

What great promises!

My Prayer for You (Ephesians 3:13-19)

Today's scripture: Ephesians 3:13-19

This is my prayer for my family and friends today.

I pray, as Paul did, that each of you might be “strengthened with power through His spirit.” We live in difficult, turbulent times. So many of those I love are struggling with health issues. They’re valiantly searching for jobs, wondering how they’ll pay next month’s bills. They’re grieving over the loss of loved ones. And so I pray for a supernatural strength that comes only from our Lord.

I pray that “Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.” Faith is the foundation of our relationships with God—Father, Son, and Spirit. It is the “handle on what we can’t see” (Hebrews 11:1). Faith comes from having complete trust in God, knowing He is working all things for His glory and our ultimate good (Romans 8:28).

I pray that you will truly, deeply know God’s love, the love that “surpasses knowledge.” A love that is everlasting (Jeremiah 31:3). A love that will never forsake (Hebrews 13:5). A love that was willing to sacrifice God’s only Son for us (John 3:16).

Those of us who know God are blessed, just by being His children. And yet He gives us so much more. No matter what is happening in this world and in our lives, God is in loving control. He will strengthen us with a love that is beyond comprehension.

Amen and amen.

Mighty in You (2 Corinthians 13:1-4)

Today’s scripture: 2 Corinthians 13:1-4

“Christ … is not weak toward you, but mighty in you.”

Our God—Father, Son, and Spirit—is all powerful and almighty (Genesis 17:1; Revelation 1:8). He is our stronghold (2 Samuel 22:3; Psalm 9:9; 62:2). And Jesus Christ, God the Son, is in each of us who has accepted the gift of salvation through His death, burial, and resurrection. He is indeed “mighty” in each of us.

And because He provides strength in us, although we are “weak in Him, yet we will live with Him because of the power of God directed toward” each of us.

These are amazing, affirming, encouraging, and humbling words.

I certainly feel weak … most of the time. The many health issues with which I deal often make even getting out of bed a challenge. Yet, I still have to take care of the major priorities on my “to do” list. So I pray for extra strength … a lot. And my Lord God provides just what I need to do what needs to be done.

And so I “… sing of Your strength; Yes, I shall joyfully sing of Your lovingkindness in the morning, for You have been my stronghold and a refuge in the day of my distress (Psalm 59:6).

For He is indeed power in me.

Strength in Weakness (2 Corinthians 12:7-10)

Today’s scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

So much has been questioned about Paul’s “thorn in the flesh.” Was it poor eyesight? Was it circumstances? Was it some other physical ailment? I don’t think it really matters exactly what Paul’s thorn was.

The important thing is that Paul had something that tormented him, something that he asked God to remove. Something that caused him so much pain—physical or emotional—that he implored God to take it away.

Implored means “to call upon in supplication or beseech; to call or pray for earnestly or entreat.” Paul wasn’t making a casual request. He earnestly pleaded for this thorn to be removed.

Sometimes I wonder if Paul’s “three times” really meant three “seasons.” I know I’ve gone through especially rough seasons with my health when I’ve certainly implored God to heal me. Yet other times, I just manage the pain with God’s strength. In any case, God had a different plan for Paul’s life … and for mine as well.

I’ve found my pain to be a blessing. Yes, a blessing. First, my pain—my weakness—truly is my strength because I’m so aware of God’s grace. More times than I can count, I’ve needed God’s strength just to get me out of bed. Second, God uses my pain to comfort others. Because I can sincerely relate to those who suffer from chronic health issues, I can encourage them by sharing how God has worked in and through my pain.

I would rather live in pain and be able to boast about Christ’s power in me than live pain-free because it truly in my weakness than I am strong.

So Inadequate (2 Corinthians 3:4-11)

Today's scripture: 2 Corinthians 3:4-11

Oh my word … whenever I read today’s verses, I want to shout, “YES!” I am so very, very inadequate in myself. Nothing I am, nothing I do, nothing I say is from me. I am only able to do anything because of Jesus Christ’s work through me.

This is especially clear to me when I speak or perform. My ill health so often drains me of energy, so my resources are low anyway. Then, when I have the privilege to share God’s truth through a speaking engagement or am able to be on stage, I give all I have … which often isn’t much.

Many times, I have stood off stage or have waited for an introduction, and I have prayed, “Lord Jesus, I have nothing. Please speak [or act] through me. I cannot do this without You.”

And every time, He carries me through.

I cannot fully express how I feel when I leave a stage or finish a talk, knowing that my Lord has brought me through. I am humbled and grateful all at once. And I can point to Him as the One who gives me exactly what I need to do and what I need to say.

And I am blessed.

Exceeding Joy (Psalm 43:3-4)

Today's scripture: Psalm 43:3-4

Yesterday's scripture felt a bit bleak. Words like "cast off" and "oppressed" don't fill my heart with warm fuzzies!

One of the things I love most about God's word is its frankness. Never does it promise that our lives will be filled with perfection. No. We're told time and time again that being in relationship with Christ doesn't mean a perfect life, but we are promised that He will help us through each and every storm.

So after yesterday's "downer," we read today's scripture, with words like "light" and "truth" and "exceeding joy."

We're never left in the mire. God's word always gives us hope.

We find truth that shines into our hearts. We learn that God the Father loves us so much that He sent God the Son to die for us. We learn that He forgives us and washes us clean. We learn that He offers a refuge through the storm.

Because of His amazing and abundant love, we can have hope. We can be exceedingly joyful.

And we can praise Him. O God, our God!

God of My Strength (Psalm 43:1-2)

Today's scripture: Psalm 43:1-2

I wrote yesterday about God's being my strength and saving refuge. Today, we visit a new psalm that starts out in apparent opposition. Yes, He is the "God of my strength," but the psalmist today asks, "Why do You cast me off?"

If God is my strength, why would He ever "cast me off"? I don't believe He ever does. He promises to never leave us alone (Hebrews 13:5). He loves us everlastingly (Jeremiah 31:3).

But, I completely relate with the psalmist's words. Sometimes, I too feel oppressed by the enemy. Sometimes, it seems like the enemy of my soul's whispers are louder than the still, small voice of the Lord.

When I'm extra tired or the pain is extra strong, it's easy for me to get a bit depressed, and it's during those moments when I feel "cast off." I feel alone in my suffering.

Sometimes, I just feel alone ...

In those moments, I have to listen more closely to the voice of God. I have to cling more tightly to Him. I have to remember even more purposefully His blessings and how He's carried me in the past.

I have to trust His promises ... because He truly is the "God of my strength."

My Saving Refuge (Psalm 28:8-9)

Today's scripture: Psalm 28:8-9

So many times, I have no strength of my own. Chronic illness saps my energy. Poor sleep makes me even groggier than usual (which is pretty groggy ...). Uncertainty about the next steps of life's journey causes anxiety.

Nope. No strength.

How blessed I am that I don't have to rely on my own strength because I serve the all-powerful God of the universe! He is my strength. He is my "saving refuge." I don't have to do this on my own!

I honestly don't know how those who aren't in relationship with God handle life. Really. I don't.

Trying to rely on my own strength (which we've already determined is nonexistent) is impossible. Having to rely on someone else? Well, first, that puts a lot of pressure on that "someone else." Second, what happens when he is out of strength? On whom then can either of us rely?

No. I don't have to be strong on my own nor do I have to rely on another's strength. I serve God, the all-powerful One. The one who gives me strength, who walks alongside me every day ... and carries me when what little strength I have gives out.

The Lord is my strength ... my saving refuge.

Praise Him!

Your Strength and Shield (Psalm 28:6-7)

Today's scripture: Psalm 28:6-7

How often do you feel under attack? By so-called friends? By your boss? By those unseen forces (Ephesians 6:10)?

How often do you feel weak? By illness? By stress?

You are not alone. Never. The God of the universe will cover you with His strength. He will help you through each and every moment of difficulty. He will walk alongside you ... and carry you when you can't take another step.

You can trust Him fully and completely. You can rejoice in His daily care. You can praise and worship Him.

He loves you more than you can possibly imagine. He will shower you with peace and joy, if only you seek Him.

Bless His holy name.  

Uphold My Steps (Psalm 17:4-5)

Today's scripture: Psalm 17:4-5

We all have them ... those mornings when we just want to burrow under the covers and hibernate for the day. You know exactly what I'm talking about, don't you?

When I face those morning—knowing full well I can't just stay in bed—I often plead, "Lord Jesus, would You please hold my hand more tightly this morning?" Then I read words like verse 5 of today's scripture: "Uphold my steps in Your paths, that my footsteps may not slip."

Our Savior, our Shepherd, walks alongside us every day. Every moment. He never leaves us (Hebrews 13:5). We're never alone. Not only will the Lord "uphold [our] steps," but He will also carry us when we can't even take a step: "Care for [us]; carry [us] like a good shepherd" (MSG, Psalm 28:9).

I don't know about you, but these words bring me hope. If it weren't for the promise of the Lord's constant presence, I wouldn't want to get up each morning. If it weren't for the promise of His carrying me, I wouldn't be able to get up each morning.

You're not alone. When you can't seem to pull yourself out of bed, when you can't take a step, call out to your Lord and Savior. Cry out to Him and ask Him to hold your hand more tightly ... today and every day.