Funny... there was actually something else I wanted to talk about today and another song I intended to sing. Sometimes that Still Small Voice whispers and we have to obey. ... well, if we're smart anyway. In moments like this, I figure my obedience is probably not critically important. But, I do wonder if it's simply an exercise in obedience. Is He tuning my ear to hear and my will to be obedient, so in the important moments my response is more reflexive and reactionary than thoughtful or perhaps even questioning? I pray so. I was speaking with a friend yesterday and we were discussing the phrase "strong Christian." Apparently someone else we know didn't particularly care for the term. Perhaps they thought it somehow diminished the Christian experience for those who didn't feel themselves to be strong in their faith? Hard to say. My friend is a highly qualified personal trainer, and it turns out she thinks of that phrase in much the same way I consider my divine obedience training.
All of the trials and tribulations are weight training, they're building us, body, mind, and soul to walk out the path set before us. He told us it wouldn't be easy, so why wouldn't we need to build those muscles and that encouragement to be able to stand in the storms of life as a confident and strong Christian?
I pray you're feeling strong today, but if you're not, I pray you remember that He has the strength for this, too.
"I have the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ gives me." ~ Philippians 4:13 (GNT)
"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." ~ John 16:33 (ESV)
"With every bone in my body I will praise Him: 'LORD, who can compare with You? Who else rescues the helpless...?'" ~ Psalms 35:10 (NLT)
"Your mighty power is a light for all nations, and it will bring honor to your people Israel." ~ Luke 2:32 (NLT)
"When I screamed out, 'Lord, I'm doomed!' Your fiery love was stirred and you raced to my rescue. Whenever my busy thoughts were out of control, the soothing comfort of Your presence calmed me down and overwhelmed me with delight." ~ Psalms 94:18-19 (TPT)
Bonus praise song of encouragement... just because! :)
May God bless you and keep you, friend... always, in all ways.