Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 84:5-8
Ps 84:5-8
Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion. Hear my prayer, O Lord God Almighty; listen to me, O God of Jacob. Selah
Eph 3:16-17a, 20-21
I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith… Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
One of the mistakes that many good people have made is trying to do things on their own instead of depending on the strength of the Lord. Even a casual study of the Old Testament shows a multitude of examples of this, including kings, judges, prophets and the people of God in general. We often do the same thing today.
When we depend on his strength, we have power that cannot be measured. His Spirit enables us to accomplish that which is impossible for us to do with our own strength. Jesus told his disciples that nothing is impossible with God. But it is a huge leap of faith to give up control and let him empower us. There is no task too great for God to accomplish. For more than forty years, he provided food and water for over a million people, while protecting them from their enemies.
When we are living, walking, and working in his will, there is nothing that we cannot accomplish. Jesus sent his disciples out to preach and when they returned, they were excited because of what God had accomplished through them. Paul came back from his mission trip and reported to the church all that God had done through him. So, as we open our hearts to the Spirit of God in us, he will guide us and empower us because we are created in Christ to do good works. Paul says that we are working out our salvation as God works in us, both to will and to act according to his good purpose. In doing this, God receives all the glory.
O Lord God, empower me to do your will in my life. Open my eyes to see the many opportunities you provide and help me to have the faith to take advantage of each of them. When I am challenged with things in my life that seem impossible, give me greater faith and strength to accomplish your will. I need your wisdom, and your power, but also your motivation, along with self-control and patience. Give your peace to those who are facing difficult situations as they put their trust in you. Use me to help them find your comfort. I pray in the name of Jesus.
Robert
