NEW STRENGTH
23rd Jul 2014
“The teachings of the Lord are perfect; they give new strength.” (Psalm 19:7 NCV) When the circumstances of life have overwhelmed us, and when all our natural resources have been exhausted, we need something supernatural. We need to hear from heaven.
It was “when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be unto you!” (John 20:19) The situation was desperate, their dreams were shattered, they did not know what the future held, but the words of Jesus transformed everything.
Their sorrow was turned to joy; their hopelessness was turned into a new future, they received a new commission as Jesus spoke the words, “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” and the resources that they would need for this new assignment were provided as Jesus “breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”
When the enemy is attacking on all sides the word directs us to, “Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armour of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” (Ephesians 6:10-11)
When temptation seeks to draw us away from God, the Psalmist declares, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” (Psalm 119:11)
In times of sorrow and loss the word speaks of, “the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles.” (2 Corinthians 1:3)
Isaiah 40:31 says, “Those who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength.” The reason we need to wait upon the Lord is to hear a word from heaven that will calm our spirits, speak peace into our hearts and put new strength into our lives. A strength that can come from no other source.
In the words of a well loved hymn, “Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, great is Your faithfulness Lord unto me.”
by Charles Sibthorpe
