The World Didn’t Give It To Me

Every human being requires strength—to move, carry out daily routines, lift heavy objects, study and much more. Strength is the state of having physical power and energy. It may also be described as the emotional and mental qualities needed in dealing with situations or events that are distressing or difficult. The capacity of an object to withstand great force or pressure is determined by its strength. We cannot function adequately without strength. 

All forms of strength have a source. Some people derive their strength from nutrition, exercise, self-confidence, self-talk and mental focus. Others obtain strength from their position of influence, financial or social status, intellectual ability, etc. There are some people who depend on others as the source of their strength. While these sources of strength are not bad, they are temporary. Wealthy individuals have dropped dead on discovering their fortunes were wiped away due to stock market crashes. Mere civilians have ousted insurmountable world leaders in seconds, after decades of subjection to tyranny. The deadly disease of Alzheimer’s has plagued world-class intellectuals who have been instrumental in breakthrough scientific research. Those who have trusted influential people have been disappointed. Friend, these sources of strength are temporary. This is the reason the prophet in Jeremiah 17:5 says, Cursed is the strong one who depends on mere humans, who thinks he can make it on muscle alone and sets God aside as dead weight.

While others draw strength from temporary sources with potential failure, the one who trusts God as his or her source is guaranteed stability—in body, soul and spirit. This is not to say that such a person is free from the challenges of life. However, that person retains the strength of the Creator of the heavens and earth, and can withstand adversity. The One who never fails or melts down is Jesus Christ. When strength comes from him, it revolutionizes the individual and provides a place of safety and protection. Such a person can go through difficulties but will come out victorious with laughter. Why so? Because his or her joy is not derived from temporary earthly sources. Paul rightly explains this in 2 Corinthians 4:18, “ . . . for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”

The joy derived from Christ is eternal. He loves you and has your best interest. You can thus be assured that because you are plugged into him, all things will work together for your good. If Christ in the midst of adversity consistently came out a champion, then you will come out as a champion too! So today, receive Jesus Christ and his joy.

…for the joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10.

This song is a blessing and a reminder of the source of your joy. It is a blast from the past so enjoy!

If you have been blessed by this post, kindly enter your email address to follow 8minuteword.com and receive notifications of new posts by email.