“I will love You, O Lord, my strength”

“I will love You, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised; So shall I be saved from my enemies.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭18:1-3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

No matter what happens around me, in me, before me, or behind me, God reminds me that He is still the same unchanging God in whom I can put my trust. In a world where everything is always changing, He is our only constant. A constant rock, fortress, deliverer, strength, shield, and stronghold worthy to be praised. 

"I am feeble and utterly crushed; I groan in anguish of heart. All my longings lie open before you, O Lord; my sighing is not hidden from you." -Psalm 38:8-9

There are times I simply can't string letters together, let alone words. I am completely overwhelmed and broken, with my emotions at the forefront.

God understands my feelings so lay it all before him today.

"Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds!"

Valuable. God says this of me. During a long day thousands of other thoughts fly through my brain as I strive to do the right thing and prove myself valuable in the presence of others. When I am alone I am reminded that God calls me Valuable. When I fail He calls me Valuable. When I am scorned or rejected He calls me Valuable. When I am anxious for tomorrow He says not to be, for in His eyes I am Valuable. I will value myself by not overvaluing the ideas of others, nor undervaluing the love of God and its power to make me whole. 

I am Valuable to God.  

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." -Matthew 11:28

Often we are advised to try various relaxation and meditation techniques for rest, do enjoyable things for comfort, and speak to a counsellor about the problems we face. We may find a temporary relief, but the underlying cause is never fully addressed.

Jesus doesn't suggest me to trial other things first, 
he advises me to come straight to him today.

"She said to herself, 'If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed.'  Jesus turned and saw her. 'Take heart, daughter,' he said, 'your faith has healed you.' And the woman was healed from that moment." -Matthew 9:21-22

My last hope after years of desperation and suffering. But still amongst a crowd, Jesus would recognise my need, turn to me, see me, speak with me, and heal me.

Jesus is not only touched by the untouchables, 
He touches them too.

 "leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift." -Matthew 5:10

Jesus didn't die only for me. His purpose for reconciling man to God is greater and extends to everyone. I am a part of his work to bring peace and unity to all.

God longs for my heart and sacrifices,
but not at the expense of broken relationships.

"Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." -Matthew 5:10

Ministry isn't always easy, there will be human and systemic oppositions. But Jesus has made a promise that blessings and rewards will come.

Don't work for the blessing to come, 
but simply let Jesus be Jesus in and through you.