Finding Strength

This week’s devotion is by Sarah Habben and found in “Time of Grace”.

Are you feeling strong today? You can . . . even if your fingers are bent by arthritis. Even if cancer has come or come back. Even if your heart is shrouded in mourning colors. Even if debt just slipped through your mail slot. Even if your mind is letting go. Even if you don’t belong. Especially then. No matter what your circumstance, the psalmist says you are “blessed”—spiritually happy—when you find your strength in God.

“Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage. They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion” (Psalm 84:5,7)

The writer of this psalm longed to worship God in Zion. He couldn’t wait to get there to praise his King. How about you, fellow pilgrim? Do you long for a heavenly Zion? Are your eyes fixed on that final home? Have you set your heart on pilgrimage, or have you hammered in your stakes on Planet Earth? God doesn’t want us to think of the world as our permanent residence. Sometimes he allows us to pass through painful places. But he has an astonishing name for those waysides. He calls them “strengths.” God takes our roadblocks and makes them rest stops. He does it through his Son. Harried and helpless, when we arrive at our crosses, we think of his cross. And what do we find there? A payment for our sin. A promise of Paradise. Are you feeling strong today? Because in Christ, that’s what you are.

Many blessings to you in this New Year. In Christ’s service, Deacon Nancy Trimble