Strength For Today - Tap into the source!

    It was an early Saturday autumn morning.  The sun’s rays glistened off the golden-orange hue that highlighted the tall oak trees. The sky was a beautiful royal blue, having been swept clean by the previous day’s breezes.  Even the symphony of birds seemed to be singing that it was going to be a sparkling day.  With an off-work day like this, it was an easy invitation to embrace the day and fill it with fun activities.  However, nothing could have prepared me for what I was about to experience.  From the moment my feet hit the floor, I knew something was drastically wrong.  Every ounce of strength and energy had left my body.  This was totally foreign to me, for my body has always had an abundant supply.  It was so alarming that I actually went to the doctor.  For months, test upon test was run, but the medical profession could not give me a reason or a solution.   Needless to say, my lifestyle was radically changed.  It was only by the grace of God I barely got through each day; especially at my highly physical job.  Many times, in the course of my day, I would have to pause to pray for strength and then strategize for every single step I took.

    It was during this time that I learned that a weakness in one area of our lives always affects our entire being.  We are a spirit, we have a soul, (our mind, will and emotions), and we live in a body (1 Thessalonians 5:23).  In my case, the severe loss of strength physically sent me into an emotional tailspin, as well as a spiritual dry spell.  It was extremely hard to muster up enough strength to do anything.  Depression started hanging over me like a dark cloud.  There was no desire to pursue the things of God and as a result, the strength from joy was gone too (Nehemiah 8:10).  I had a choice to make.  I could either succumb to the circumstances or I could choose to change them.  God was not joking when He said, "Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, that you and your descendants might live!” (Deuteronomy 30:19 NLT) 

    I made a choice that I needed strength for today, not tomorrow or two weeks from now.  I needed to realize that God has already given everything that pertains to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3).  He is waiting on me to obtain the exceeding great and precious promises of the Word of God (2 Peter 1:4) and put them to use in my life.

    I recognized God’s grace is sufficient for me, (one day at a time), for His strength is made perfect in my weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).  My source of strength is not coming from food or a pharmacy.  It must come from the Word of God (Matthew 4:4).  His Words brings life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh (Proverbs 4:22).  So, every day I tapped the source and personalized the Word as I spoke it over me: 

God is my refuge and my strength, my very present help today. (Psalm 46:1)

This flesh and heart might fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. (Psalm 73:26)

The Lord is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation; He is my God, and I will praise Him; (Exodus 15:2)

The Lord is the strength of my life; I will not be afraid of anyone! (Psalm 27:1b)

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped. (Psalm 28:7)

I sing aloud to God my strength; and I make a joyful shout to my God. (Psalm 81:1)

I am blessed because my strength is in You, and I will continue to grow stronger and stronger. (Psalm 84:5, 7)

I will not be afraid, for You are with me.  I am not be dismayed, for You are my God.  You will strengthen me.  You will help me.  You will uphold me with Your victorious right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)

I will wait on You Lord; be of good courage, and You will strengthen my heart. (Psalm 27:14)

    Every day, many times a day, I spoke the Word of God over me for strength.  His grace gave me the strength to somehow make it through each day. Then two months later, the weakness suddenly disappeared and my full strength returned.  His strength was made perfect in my weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).  God is faithful and His Word is true!

    Life can be overwhelming at times as we just try to get through it with all of its hassles.  You might not know if you can make it through one more day.  Well, you can, because God promises that today, He will be your refuge and your strength (Psalm 46:1).  So, in order to get whatever strength you need for your life – spiritually, emotionally, or physically; you must choose to live by the Word (Matthew 4:4) and obtain His promises (2 Peter 1: 4).  As you allow the power of the Word to fulfill the promise of the Word, you will receive and enjoy your:

STRENGTH FOR TODAY!