We have in these words from the Apostle Paul a great source
from which we can draw so much joy and comfort as we travel through this life.
With these words echoing in our hearts, there is nothing required of us by our
Lord that we cannot do so long as we do not rely on our own understanding or
desires (Prov. 3:5-7). As a faithful, trusting child of God, we should be
crying out as did the Psalmist of old, “the Lord is the strength of my life”
(Psalms 27:1). Our lives are feeble but so long as God is the source of our
strength we will never encounter any burden that cannot be borne successfully
(Rom. 8:35-39, 1 Cor. 10:13).
Each day we live we come to realize that this physical body
does not endure very well. It is fragile and each passing day takes its toll on
our human frame and we grow weaker as age creeps up on us. Sickness and disease
strike, burdens oppress and we do groan (2 Cor. 5:2). Even so, our hearts
should be overflowing with joy and thanksgiving knowing that the risen savior
whom we serve is our refuge, our shield, our strength (Psalms 46:1, 27:7, 2
Tim. 1:12, Gal. 2:20). Ere we leave our bedside each morning, we should be
enlisting the help of our Lord with a petition for the courage and strength
that will sustain us through yet another day on this side of eternity (1 Peter
3:12, Phil. 4:6-7, Heb. 4:16).
If we are going to be successful in our everyday life, if
we are going to be successful in our spiritual life it is imperative that we
live believing with all our being that we can do all things through Christ who
strengthens us. Believing this deeply and sincerely will impart to us whatever
measure of strength needed to enable us to say with the prophet Isaiah,
“Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid: for the Lord
Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation. Therefore
with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation” (Isaiah 12:2-3)
I know the path I now walk is not as smooth as it once was.
The years have taken their toll and so often the way I must walk is a weary and
long way. The nights are often dreary and sometimes with little sleep. From
time to time we sing, “Jesus loves me this I know; the Bible tells me so”.
It is the source of greatest comfort just to know that my Lord cares for
me and I can place my every need into his hands (1 Peter 5:7). Of a surety, I
know and believe with all my heart that “I can do all things through Christ who
strengthens me”. I pray it is the same with each of you.
Charles Hicks
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