“In the day when I cried You answered me and strengthen me with strength in my soul.”
Psalm 138:3
It’s more than “intestinal fortitude;” it’s the courage to go on when tempted to quit and the patience to endure until the end.
“Strength of soul.”
Are there days when you feel more like a laboratory rat on a treadmill than you do a majestic eagle soaring effortlessly through the heavens on the wind currents (Is. 40:31)? Most likely there are. And, perhaps today is one of those days.
You know the kind:
When your body’s so weary you’re not sure if you can put another foot in front of the other. Or, those days when your mental hard-drive’s overloaded and threatening to shut down. Or, when your heart’s so heavy with pain and sorrow that you feel like crying all the time, but your eyes are still dry because you’ve clamped down the valves to keep from losing control.
Sound familiar?
If so, this Manna’s for you.
It would appear King David, who knew well the scenarios described above, was having one of his “melancholy mist moments” when he penned this somber song. Yet, he did what every one of us should do when going through tough times: He began by praising the Lord “with his whole heart” (v.1a), for half-hearted praise will not do. And, he made sure his praise would not be done in secret; instead, “before the gods”. . .all those “gods” of this world that are so often lauded and loved. . .he said “will I sing praise unto Thee (the Most High God).”
Oh, dear Pilgrim, how we need to remember this during those times when our strengthen is fading and our faith grows weak.
As the song of years ago said, “It’s amazing what praising can do. Alleluia.”
Amen and amen.
David then continues by showing how this is an integral part of worship (v.2) and how it lends itself to our knowing that the Lord God hears our cry and will answer us. How wonderful to know this answer includes “strengthening (Heb. ‘rahab’—‘to embolden, capture, overcome, make sure, etc.’) us with strength (Heb. ‘oz’—‘force, security, majesty, boldness, power, etc.’) of soul.” Hallelujah!!
Can you picture this? Can you?
It’s the picture of an inward quickening of mind, emotions and spirit—all integral parts of the “soul”—that enlivens us and reminds us that we are children of the King of kings and Lord of lords. And, it is His “energizing Spirit” that enables us to be “more than conquerors through Him that loved/loves us” (Rom. 8:37). Glory!!
Why not stop right now and spend a few minutes praising the Lord? Even though the Lord is “high and lifted up,” He still gives “special attention unto the lowly or downtrodden in heart” (v.6). Thank You, Lord Jesus.
By Tom Smith Morning Manna Dated August 19, 2010
