"O my Strength, I will sing praises to you, for you, O God, are my fortress, the God who shows me steadfast love." Psalm 59:17
For my daily devotions, I've been reading through the Book of Psalms. Last week while reading Psalm 59 I was struck by David's name for God as "my Strength" (both in verses 9 and 17). In the English Standard Version, which is the version I use, strength is capitalized. Also in the New King James Version of the Bible this same word is capitalized. I'm not a Bible scholar and don't know why some versions capitalize the word, and others don't (if you know the answer, please let me know in the comments), but either way -- whether capitalized or not -- David is appropriating God as the source of his strength.
When David wrote these words he was under the threat of assassination by Saul and his men. It would be understandable if David's response was fear and anxiety, but this was not the case. He chose to humble himself and admit his dependency upon God and look to Him for defense. What's more, he chose to praise God, breaking into morning song.
David sang of God's strength and steadfast love, he praised Him for being a fortress and a refuge in the day of distress. Centuries later we have the privilege of reading these words of David, and realizing that praise is the proper response to trials.
David understood that God is Strength. He is our Strength, too. When we choose praise over fear, we encounter even more of God's strength, and we bask in His steadfast love.
Today's music video The Lord is My Salvation by Keith and Krysten Getty reminds us that salvation comes from the Lord.
I love you, I'm thinking of you, and I'm praying for you.
Oh, as I look back; there is that pure sweet song that most of us learn as maybe our first song of worship to the Lord, "Jesus Loves Me", "I am weak but You are strong". It was true as a child and it is true as an adult, we never out grow the need to draw on the strength of our Lord and Savior. His strength has pulled me through so very many difficult times in my life and I love that He has yoked Himself to me because without His lead I would be lost.
ReplyDeleteThank you for yet another lovely and heartfelt Monday morning encouragement.
God bless you sweet sister.
Amen 💙
ReplyDeleteI look forward to your posts, Nancy. They bless me! I have also been watching you on you tube.
This world is so scary these days. I don't know how people live without the Lord in their lives. He is my strength too.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Betsy
Thank you Nancy! Another great reminder of our Lord's blessings upon us! Hope you have a good forthcoming week. xoxo Marilyn
ReplyDeleteYour posts are always encouraging my friend. xo
ReplyDeleteLove this song! And the photo of the Irish Sea draws me in to the song.
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