by David Brenneman
"Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect." Romans 12:1-2.
"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28.
"Moreover David was greatly distressed because the people spoke of stoning him, for all the people were embittered, each one because of his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God." 1 Samuel 30:6.
Weeks ago I remembered this passage in 1 Samuel 30 where David strengthened himself in the Lord his God. So this time around I asked the Spirit to explain it to me and set out to understand it. I asked several Pastors that I know for their interpretation of it. Then it still wasn't quite understandable. Then the Teacher decided to make this known to me and I share it with you.
For a very very long time "Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6 has been a mainstay in my mind and my heart.
That song by Elevation Worship called "I Trust in God" playing over and over again in my mind set the way my mind should go.
Next came acknowledging that setting my mind on the things that are above and not on the things that are of this world was where we were going.
Praying without ceasing fills in the gaps nicely.
Keeping my mind off what isn't going to grow me in Christ is where much of my time is spent.
These study Bibles and books and devotionals keep my off hours from work held steady on the path that God has for me.
See it yet?
Strengthening ourselves in the Lord is all that and more. It's not looking at what the world sees or hearing what the world says about life about what it is or isn't to each of us or one another.
Jesus said His sheep hear His voice. They come to Him and make their abode with Him. He cares for them. He provides for their protection and meets their needs.
The sheep of God live their best lives when their lives are wholly under His supervision and care.
When we realize that when left to ourselves are those sheep that have gone astray each of us doing whatever is right in our own eyes than we see our need to get back under His loving care and protection.
Scripture says that if anyone lacks wisdom let him or her ask of God who will give freely to all who would ask.
So, I asked. You can too.
Jesus wants our interactions to be fruitful, not obligatory. He wants it to be heartfelt not monotonous. He wants to both impart His unconditional love for us to us while we position our hearts to unconditionally love Him in return.
Can you say that you strengthen yourself in the Lord your God?
Can you say you strive for this daily? Hourly? Minute by minute?
Can you look back to His deeds in your life where indeed He has never failed you and take solace in those moments to ease your present state of mind?
God put gutters on our house without our direct intervention after a storm.
God had an exact drug already available to address my Wife's breast cancer.
God totally covered all of her medical bills for that cure, well over $70k worth.
God stopped a semi truck from killing me on an early morning drive to work.
God did it. My Shepherd kept His promise then and He will keep His promises now.
In the coming days my employer is forcing a week shutdown where we wouldn't get paid in any way. No PTO could be used.
God covered those lost wages yesterday before that day is to come.
Yesterday our microwave died.
God provided a replacement free of charge.
We strengthen ourselves in the Lord our God and He answered our prayers before we could utter them. We rely on our Great Shepherd's care for us and He keeps His promises to us.
Ask and receive when you ask with right motives.
Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and spirit.
All New American Standard Bible Scripture Excerpts used by permission. (C) 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by the Lockman Foundation. A corporation not for profit.