The joy of the Lord is my strength!

Posted on December 15, 2022 by Elizabeth Welte in Freedom Fighters

When Paul writes, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” he is referring to the flow of Jesus’ character and nature flooding his soul and washing away all self centered and corrupted desires and will. This is possible only through the abiding relationship we have with Jesus through our humbly being led by the Spirit in obedience to God’s Word. It is this relationship Paul is referring to when he says, “when I am weak (humbly submitting to leading of Spirit), then I am strong (filled up with the character and nature of Jesus). Jesus rose from the grave because He was obedient (led by The Spirit) to the Word of His Father. Paul writes for those who believe in Jesus, “Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God. The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.” (Romans 8:10-11)

Jesus told us this kind of power manifested in Him is available to us, “If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.” (John 15:10)

Real strength, the kind that drew Jesus from the grave, is available to you for the day, and every day to come. It is found by abiding in Jesus, through the leading of The Spirit, by which you will know the Joy of the Lord. It is here, having put off or crucified our ideas of how things should be, and allowing Christ’s nature and character of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, and faithfulness to shine through that we know real strength that makes a difference. Do this and you will, “Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 4:4-7)

Choose wisely…

Praying 4 U

 

Written by David Brown: David Brown is a husband, father, grandfather, Pastor with a Masters of Religious Studies and a Professor of Philosophy and Comparative Religions. Dave is the Associate Pastor of Pemberton’s First Baptist Church. He is the author of two devotional books, “From a Chair by the Window.” And “#PrayerWinsThe Day”.

---

This Week’s Verse to Memorize: “It is like the dew of Hermon, descending upon the mountains of Zion; For there the Lord commanded the blessing— Life forevermore.” Psalm 133:3