The Real Source of Strength

We often hear people say things like “every answer to your problems is in the Word of God”. Or “your problems are not too big for God”. The truth is both statements are correct and normally we have no problems believing them,do we?

But how many of us live in the “normal” all of the time(whatever that is)? Not many that I know.

We live in a strange time.On one hand we have the TV life that isn’t real, but yet it does it’s best to convince us that it is.Actors and actresses all playing the part of a life that exists only in fantasy,where everything always works out for the best in the end.Always enough money.Perfect marriage.Perfect kids.The best schools and jobs.Politicians promising anything and everything to garner your support.The perfect life.

On the other hand we have real life where real people struggle daily with very real problems.Stories that all too often end in tragedy.Divorce ends over half of all marriages.Murders so frequent that we hardly take notice any more as the value of a human life plummets to an all time low.Here in the land of milk and honey,people are hungry and thirsty.We can’t feed them enough,and now we’re trucking water to them.Politicians promising anything and everything to garner your support,knowing full well that they cannot possibly honor such promises.

This is the real life.The life that never appears on the cover of the fashion magazines or even more sadly,is rarely talked about much in our churches any more.

Real people that are discouraged,lonely,desperate for attention,people who need Jesus to interrupt their lives and show up just in time.And all of this got me to thinking about all of this.

The Bible was given to us for just such a time as this.It is a collection of the most encouraging and faithful promises ever delivered unto mankind.Research every prophecy concerning Jesus and you will see that they were 100% accurate.So it is with all of God’s word.

Hopeful

Encouraging

Life sustaining

I recently came upon a favorite passage of mine,one that has helped me and sustained me through the darkest of times.This passage was written by a man named Asaph, who was going through a rough time of his own.

Asaph was one of David’s chief musicians and is mentioned several times in the Psalms. In addition to being a musician,he was also considered to be a seer,or prophet.Today, we would likely consider Asaph to be a “worship leader” because he conducted the music in the tent when the ark was taken to Jerusalem.

It was Asaph who penned these stirring words of hope for all that may be going through a difficult time:

Whom have I in heaven but You?
And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You.
²⁶ My flesh and my heart fail;
But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.   Psalm 73:25,26  NKJV

When I’m lonely beyond the point of believing anyone cares,I have Him.That’s what Asaph was saying here.No one on earth,no man can do for me what my God can.Why would I want for more,for something that at best is not enough?

While I may be weak in body and soul,there is a God who is my strength and my helper forever.What I cannot do on my own because of my own weakness,my own frailty,I have an Advocate to take up my case.It is His strength that I rest in,His peace that comforts me when all others have turned away from me.

My incredible wife told me last night that she was impressed to share with me this song.I’m sure you know the chorus,but please read the verses as well for in them is a message for us all.

Hel­en H. Lem­mel, in 1922.

O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s a light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free!

Refrain

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.

Through death into life everlasting
He passed, and we follow Him there;
Over us sin no more hath dominion—
For more than conquerors we are!

Refrain

His Word shall not fail you—He promised;
Believe Him, and all will be well:
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell!

Refrain

Be blessed…

Ron