Strength for the Journey
Just as a path becomes possible with light and strength, life becomes steady when the Lord is our source of strength.
Devotional Credit: Day by Day by Grace by Bob Hoekstra
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Bob Hoekstra points us to the life of David, who again and again confessed the Lord as his strength. In a world where every step seems to demand more than we can give, David reminds us that our sufficiency is not found within ourselves but in God Himself. Whether facing the daily tasks of life, confronting hidden traps of the enemy, or engaging in outright battles, David’s testimony was simple and clear: the Lord is my strength.
David’s words are not merely poetry. They are a record of a man who discovered that dependence upon God was the only way forward. When the snares of life entangled him, he looked up and confessed God as the one who could pull him out. When battles raged around him, he leaned on the Lord who armed him with strength. Even when his own heart and flesh failed, David knew the Lord as his portion forever. Hoekstra reminds us that this same God is our strength today, not just in moments of crisis but in every ordinary step of our journey.
Living by God’s grace means learning to confess what David confessed. It means saying with confidence that the Lord is the strength of my life. We do not grit our teeth and push through in self-effort, nor do we crumble under the weight of our insufficiency. Instead, we rest in the truth that the Lord Himself imparts His life to us. This abiding life is not about striving harder but trusting more deeply, knowing that Jesus lives in us to be what we cannot be and to accomplish what we cannot.
Hoekstra’s reflection invites us to shift our gaze from our weakness to the Lord’s strength. Our circumstances may vary, but the truth remains constant. Whether at home, at work, or in ministry, we are not left to figure it out alone. Just as David confessed his dependency, we too can declare today, with joy, that the Lord is our strength in whom we trust.
Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
My child, you do not need to muster strength for this day on your own. I am your strength and your shield. I uphold you with My righteous right hand. When your path feels heavy, remember that I carry you. When you face hidden snares or open battles, look to Me, for I am the one who equips you and makes your way secure.
I live within you, and My power is made perfect in your weakness. Do not be discouraged when you feel inadequate, for I am more than enough. Yield to Me moment by moment, and you will find that I supply not just what you need but abundantly more. Let your words and your thoughts be anchored in Me, for I am your Redeemer. When your heart wavers, rest in My faithfulness, for I am your portion forever.
Scripture References: Psalm 27:1, Psalm 18:2, Psalm 18:32, Psalm 31:4, Psalm 18:39, Psalm 19:14, Psalm 73:26, Isaiah 41:10, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, Philippians 4:13, Galatians 2:20, Romans 6:4, John 15:4-5.
Real-Life Analogy
Think of a smartphone that begins the day with a full charge. As you use it, the battery drains. If you keep pushing without plugging it back in, eventually it shuts down. But when it is connected to its source, it not only functions but thrives, ready to handle whatever comes. In the same way, we are not designed to run on our own reserves. Our strength is renewed when we are connected to the Lord, our true source.
Today, when I face a moment that feels draining, I can pause and say, “Lord, I trust You to live Your life through me right now.” Just as the phone draws power from its charger, I draw life and sufficiency from Him.
Prayer of Confidence
Lord, I thank You that You are my strength and my portion forever. I rejoice that I am not left to navigate life in my own effort. You are my sufficiency in every situation, my shield in battle, and my Redeemer when I falter. I rest in the truth that You live in me, and I gratefully trust You to express Your life through me today.