Weekend Words

From Be Still and Know...

Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them. (Psalm 84:5)

In these days when we are pressured on every side, we often wonder how we will make it through the day.  We need a strength beyond our own limited supply.

It is encouraging to know there is strength available for us, sufficient for today's need.  The source of this strength is God Himself.  "Blessed is the man whose strength is in THEE."  The supply is inexhaustible, enough for everyone, and ready for us to draw upon at all times.  We are not provided tomorrow's strength today, but we are given strength for today.  The Living Bible (Psalm 84:5) reads, "Happy are those who are strong in the Lord, who want above all else to follow your steps."

Blessed also is the one "in whose heart are the ways of them."  The words "of them" are in italics in the Bible.  If we omit these two words we read "in whose heart are the ways."  In the heart of the child of God are God's ways, His likenesses, His way of doing things.  It is a heart guided and directed by God.  It has been said, "God's ways must rule our hearts if our feet are to tread God's path."

As trials come, we may find ourselves in the Valley of Baca, which means weeping.  Our reaction to such experiences is important.  We can become bitter, filled with self pity, or we can let the valley be transformed into a blessing.  "When they walk through the Valley of Weeping it will become a place of springs where pools of blessing and refreshment collect after rains!"  (psalm 84:6 LB).

Our tears can become wells of grace and springs of blessings.  We might ask ourselves, "What am I leaving behind in the valley of weeping?  Murmuring or complaining?  Or praise and joy?"

In our physical life, we go from strength to weakness.  But in the Lord, we go from strength to strength.  Our strength may fail, but His is limitless.  Paul wrote, "That is why we never give up.  Though our bodies are dying, our inner strength in the Lord is growing every day" (2 Corinthians 4:16 LB).

******************

And please take the time to read this beautiful post by Sheryl.  She and her family are missionaries in Tanzania.

******************

Close your eyes and listen :)