Psalm 68:35 You are awesome, O God, in your sanctuary;
the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people.
Praise be to God!

The fact of the matter is, it is God who gives power and strength to His people, and nothing else. It is one of the saddest of ironies that from the early days of Israel, people who have claimed God have sought power and strength from other sources, and still do so today. We are slow to realize that God is the source of all genuine power and strength, and everything else is counterfeit. The thing is, many things that seem powerful to us are totally insignificant on God’s scale of things. I am reminded of the absurdity of praying to someone who has died, when we have permission to pray to the Creator of the universe, in the name of His Son, who died, rose again, and reigns forever! Jesus said very clearly that we have direct access to the Father in His name. (John 16:26-27) God is the one who gives power and strength to His people!

As well as I know this, sometimes I am slow to seek and trust the supply. Last night was a good case in point, when I was confronted with issues that are beyond my ability and wisdom. I did pray, but that didn’t keep me from getting down about it all. That shows I have more room to grow in trusting God. Knowing that, I should be more gracious and understanding of those around me with similar difficulties. He will indeed supply everything we need, from wisdom to strength to food on the table, if we will turn to Him in humble obedience, putting His kingdom and His righteousness ahead of everything else. I have experienced that more times than I could count, and I preach it constantly to others, yet I am aware of my own immaturity in this area. I am not to be cast down about that, but rather be grateful that God is growing me, in this and every other area, for the sake of the Body of Christ and for His glory.

Father, thank You again for Your patience with me. Help me be both patient and firm with those around me, pointing and drawing them consistently to You. Help me trust that You will indeed give me the wisdom and strength I need when I need it, and not worry about whether I have it ahead of time. Keep me from neurotic introspection that will only take my eyes off of You. Help me indeed rest, relax, and rejoice in You, as You have told me, so that all of Your purposes for me may be fulfilled, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!