We know that life is full of peaks and valleys. Sometimes a single day has its fair share of ups and downs!
If you want to see the whole range of human emotions laid out in the Bible, run to the Psalms. David can go from the depths of despair to praising the Lord profusely in a matter of a few verses. He’s not afraid to share his fears, his joy, his anger, his doubt, his hope, and his failings.
One of the things I love about David’s Psalms is how he shares his view of God. He sees God as a rock, a refuge, a shield, and a fortress. He praises God by highlighting different facets of God’s personality. Today I want to look at one of those verses from Psalms where David describes our Lord.
“The LORD is my strength and song, and is become my salvation.” ~ Psalm 118:14
The three “s” words in this verse caught my attention.
1. He is my strength. In time of need, God is my anchor and my rock. He gives me courage to face whatever today may bring. I often think that I’m strong all on my own, but in a moment, a trial can knock me off my feet. No problem I face will ever be greater than God’s ability to handle it.
He gives me the power to resist Satan’s attacks and to overcome the weaknesses of my own flesh. God’s resources of power are unlimited. If I don’t access them, it’s because I’m failing to ask for His help, not because He is weak.
2. He is my song. Almost every morning, my husband is whistling or humming a song as he gets ready for work. I’m sure he doesn’t automatically feel that happy when he gets out of bed every day. I sense that he’s making a choice to positively focus his thoughts in order to start the day with joy.
God can give us that song in our hearts. There may be days when it’s hard to move that song up out of our hearts and onto our lips. Yet I can have gladness in my soul as I find my joy in Him. He provides the underlying melody for my life. He offers joy unspeakable, peace that passes understanding, and love that never fails.
3. He is my salvation. Because I have trusted Jesus as my Savior, I have eternal salvation. However, the Lord is also my salvation from the sin with which I struggle today. Through His Spirit’s power, I can overcome my troublesome tongue, my grumpy attitude, my pride, or whatever sin that tempts me.
God also offers me salvation from going my own way as a Christian. He can keep me from taking wrong steps if I’ll just look to His Word for direction and ask for His wisdom in prayer. I’m thankful that His salvation is not only for my past sins and the future of my soul, but for my present life. I know that He watches over and protects me as His child.
The longer I live this Christian life, the more I see my need for Him. How thankful I am for God’s faithfulness and the reassurance I find in His Word!
Related posts:
Trusting His Grace When I Can’t See His Face
10 Keys the Israelites Can Teach Us About the Christian Life
What Does It Mean to Delight in the Lord?
I love the psalms, too! And David’s psalms go through the whole range of emotions — from deep depression to boundless joy. Sometimes in the same psalm! I’m so thankful that God inspired David to write the psalms and that He had them included in the canon of Scripture!
Yes, it seems like I can always find a verse that’s just what I need – praise, encouragement, conviction!
Tracey, I needed this encouragement today. It was uplifting to me. Also, I appreciate how you pointed out that the Lord gives us salvation from going our own way as a Christian. I never really thought about that! Great point! Thanks!
Thank you for reading and taking the time to comment! I’ve been feeling the need for encouragement myself lately, so am glad I was able to pass some along 😉
My senior quote in my 12th grade yearbook was: “God is the strength behind my song!” I’ve always felt such a strong sense of your points here!
Oh, I love that quote!! Sounds like it still fits you perfectly 😉