Grace Notes: Gracious Strength

     “The Lord is my strength and my shield;

      My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped;

      Therefore my heart exults,

      And with my song I shall thank Him.”

                                   Psalm 28:7 NASB

 Grace Perspective:

King David, who wrote this passage, was a mighty warrior who fought many battles. He was physically strong, yet he knew the source of his strength was not in his muscles, but in the God he served. Though David was a king with great power, he didn’t trust in his might but knew that the Lord was his strength and shield. David depended on the Lord for support, not just for physical strength, but also to guide his steps and for wisdom. David didn’t trust his heart to lead him; he believed the Lord. His faith was not in himself, but in God who faithfully led him from being a shepherd to being king of Israel. 

David models a dependence upon the Lord, who strengthens the weak, shields those in battle and gives rest to the weary. He also reminds us to praise the Lord, Who helps those who call on Him. We may be weak and worn from the daily battles, but we need to remind ourselves Who the source of our strength is. Is our faith in ourselves, or the LORD? If we trust the LORD, our hearts can rejoice, knowing He is faithful to give strength to those who call on Him.

A touch of grace:

   How do you define strength?

   Who do you trust?

 Grace Application: 

      I confess that I am weary, weak, and worn. Perhaps that’s why the Lord graciously reminded me that my strength doesn’t depend on how I feel, but in Him. 

     Life is hard right now. Both my parents live with me. My Mom has dementia, and Dad isn’t handling her continued decline well. My home feels like a battlefield. I won’t go into detail, but the reality of caring for someone you love as they rage against a disease that ravages their mind and body has taken me beyond my strength. I cry out to the Lord daily for wisdom and strength. I can’t trust my heart, because in my weariness, I will fall into the pit of despair.

    Instead, I am seeking the Lord, trusting Him as He guides me to seek wise counsel from others who will help me know how to care for Mom. I’m not alone in this. I’m blessed with wonderful family, friends, and medical professionals who offer love, support, and wisdom.  

    The Lord supplies the strength I need. My heart trusts in His provision as He brings the necessary help to endure a season that seems endless at times. Today, I’m choosing to praise Him for Who He is, reminding my heart that He alone is my strength and shield. I will trust Him and thank Him for His gracious strength. I invite you to trust Him too.

Prayer:

 Gracious Father, You are my strength and shield. Forgive me for my pride in thinking I’m strong enough. Father, I am weak, weary, and worn because of (___________________________). I cry out to You, seeking Your strength and asking You to shield me from doubt, fear, and despair. Lord, I know You to be trustworthy to provide all I need for this season. Help me to remember Who you are and help my heart to praise You. May You be glorified through this, and may others see Your goodness and grace. My heart rejoices in You, my Lord. Thank You for Your gracious strength. In the precious name of Jesus Christ, our Savior, Amen.