MEMORISE: “The Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace.” – Psalm 29:11 (KJV)

READ: Habakkuk 3:17-19 (KJV)

17 Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls:

18 Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.

19 The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.

MESSAGE

You cannot always determine a person’s strength from his or her physical appearance. For instance, having big muscles does not necessarily reflect how strong a person is. If a person’s strength is based on physical appearance alone, then David would not have defeated Goliath (1 Samuel 17:42-54).

Ecclesiastes 7:19 says that a wise man is stronger than ten mighty men. In verse 12 of that same chapter, the Bible says: “For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it.” This means that wisdom, money, or both, provides strength and security.

Everyone has something or someone that they depend on as their strength. However, the greatest of strengths comes from above. This is why David said in Psalm 121:1-2:

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.

David had a source of strength that helped him overcome battles, live in prosperity, and leave a good legacy. In the Scripture above, he said that his help came from the Lord. In other words, God was his strength. The strength that comes from the Lord is absolutely reliable because, not only is it supreme, it is always constant. That strength does not ever fade; it is everlasting. Hebrews 13:8 says that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. If the Lord is your strength, your strength will be constant, even in old age. Deuteronomy 34:7 says that at 120 years old, Moses was still very strong; His eyes were not dim and his natural strength had not diminished. The strength that comes from the Lord is comprehensive. Philippians 4:13 says:

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

‘All things’ in the above Scripture includes working miracles and laying hands on the sick for their recovery. Mark 16:17-18 says:

And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

Beloved, do not be satisfied with your natural strength alone because it is very limited. Like David, look up to God for strength to overcome all of life’s challenges and to do the impossible. Our God is faithful, and He can be relied on.

PRAYER POINT

Father, please be my strength in every area of my life.

HYMN 19 – Rock Of Ages Cleft For Me

1 Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
let me hide myself in thee;
let the water and the blood,
from thy wounded side which flowed,
be of sin the double cure;
save from wrath and make me pure.

2 Not the labors of my hands
can fulfill thy law’s demands;
could my zeal no respite know,
could my tears forever flow,
all for sin could not atone;
thou must save, and thou alone.

3 Nothing in my hand I bring,
simply to the cross I cling;
naked, come to thee for dress;
helpless, look to thee for grace;
foul, I to the fountain fly;
wash me, Savior, or I die.

4 While I draw this fleeting breath,
when mine eyes shall close in death,
when I soar to worlds unknown,
see thee on thy judgment throne,
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
let me hide myself in thee.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 Thessalonians 1-5