Can you think of any time or any place in Scripture where the Lord recommends strength? When the Father, when God Almighty, speaks of strength, He commands it.
Your God has commanded your strength;
Show Yourself strong, O God, who have acted on our behalf. (Psalm 68:28)
Thank You, Father, for what You command, we can obey. We can respond in love.
I will love You, O Lord, my Strength. Psalm 18:1
Thank You, Lord God! We know that if we were merely advised to be strong, we would use strength and weakness to our own advantage: “I’m too tired … I’m weary of the daily grind.” O Lord God, we give you our praise, that You have not left us to our own strength or weakness!
God gives power to the weak. And to those who have no might, He increases strength. Isaiah 40:29
At times we say, “I can do this! Yes, my plate is full, and yes, I’m already far over-extended, but I really want to do this thing, and so … I know I can!”
Thank You, Father, for commanding strength, power and might that do not originate with us, that we may do those things that You alone can accomplish, and that we may put aside those endeavors that vaunt only pride and self-reliance.
God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26
This season of thanksgiving is meant to be something different. In times past we have been thankful for thanksgiving, and we are to this day. This year, we will be more grateful than ever for the unfailing power of Your might, for the Living Word, Emmanuel, Christ in us, our hope of glory, and for the times of our lives and the purposes of Your heart, O Lord our God.
The Lord gives strength to those who turn the battle at the gate.
Isaiah 28:6
Thank You, Lord God, heavenly King, for the battle, the hour, for Your Nearness, and for the sweetness of gratitude as it rises within us.
Daniel’s Answer to the King
B. Pratt, public domain, Wikipedia
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