Raising our Expectations of Jesus- Our Strength

Thanks for joining me on Taste Truth Tuesday!  I am looking forward to encouraging others with you to "Taste and See that the Lord is good!"  If you would like to share what He has been teaching you please leave your link below.  Have a great day!

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A few weeks ago I was reading Psalm 59 and one phrase stuck out to me  "Oh my strength, I watch for you; you, Oh God are my fortress."  59:9 "Oh my strength, I sing praise to you; you, oh God are my refuge, my loving God." 59:17  I can just picture the emotion that David had as he penned that, and how he would have said "Oh my strength".  I realized something when I read that; Jesus not only gives strength to His people, He is our strength.

I love the song I need you by Chris Tomlin.  As I started writing this I was reminded of the line "Holiness is Christ in me"  I think of being Holy as being "set apart".  So when I sing that line, I am reminded that what "sets me apart" is Christ in me.  The only way I have strength for anything, is because Jesus is in me.  He is my strength.   Ephesians 6:10 says "Be strong in the Lord and His mighty power."  He is our source of strength.

A good friend of mine, Holly, had a chance to minister to a believer who was struggling recently.  The mom was discouraged and Holly was able to say, "Listen, you go to God, get on your knees and get your strength from Him."  She said it with such passion, because she knows first hand He is our strength and when we humble ourselves and admit that we are weak and in need of Him, He is ready to show us just how powerful he is.  "My grace is all you need.  My power works BEST in weakness.  So now I am glad to boast about my weakness, so that the power of Christ can work through me." 2 Corinthians 12:9  Now you would think admitting you are in need, that you aren't strong enough, that you are weak that it would discourage you.  Not with God, in his kingdom things don't work like they do in this world.  (I have heard it referred to as the upside kingdom.)  When you are weak, then you are strong.  When you don't lift yourself up, He is able to.

This past week I have needed him to be my strength.  I had begun to realize that being "slow to anger" was not my strongest attribute, in fact I am quick to anger in my own strength.  But God is slow to anger(Numb 4:18, Nahum 1:3, Psalm 103:8), and His presence dwells in me.  The word says "I have strength for all things in Christ who empowers me. [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through him who infuses inner strength to me;  I am self sufficient in Christ's sufficiency.]"  Philippians 4:13amp  This past week, every time I felt anger starting to rise from kids fighting, something unexpected happen or disobedience I would use my "sword of the Spirit" and say this out loud: "I have strength to be slow to anger in Christ who empowers me."  Then I would pray "Lord, I pray that your kingdom comes into my heart right now, that the peace of Jesus rules me, please be my wisdom and my strength right now, because I need you."  Instead of instantly reacting out of emotion, I would use the word and seek the guidance and help of my Father and the results were unbelievable.  Peace came!  Wisdom was shown!  Anger subsided!  Jesus' power prevailed!  By the strength of Christ I overcame!  Praise Him, He is stronger!

I want to remind you, with whatever you are facing, God is stronger.  Go before him, and in the words of Holly "Get on your knees" be honest about your struggles, ask for His help.  Ask Him to give you strength, to be your strength.  He is MIGHTY to save.  Jesus is not a wimp.  He is the King of kings, the Lion of Judah, the Deliverer, the Defeater.  He is strong.  "One thing God has spoken, two things have I heard: that you Oh God are strong and that you Oh Lord are loving."  Psalm 62:11-12a


You may feel weak, like you are in the midst of something you aren't strong enough for.  That might be true, you can't do it alone but don't forget all the strength you have available to you.  The creator of the world is certainly more powerful that your situation.  He likes to use people who aren't strong enough so He can show His power, and that way He gets all the glory.  I hope you can listen to this song when you get a moment "You are My Strength" -Hillsong