How can we rely on God's strength in challenging situations today? Setting the Scene of Psalm 71 • Psalm 71 is the prayer of an aging believer who has walked with God from youth to gray hairs. • The writer faces enemies and physical frailty, yet the psalm is marked by confidence, not despair. • Key line—Psalm 71:16: “I will enter in the strength of the Lord GOD; I will proclaim Your righteousness, Yours alone.” What the Verse Says—Word by Word • “I will enter” – a deliberate, personal choice to step forward. • “in the strength of the Lord GOD” – not a vague optimism; the power source is the covenant-keeping LORD. • “I will proclaim” – strength is never hoarded; it overflows into testimony. • “Your righteousness, Yours alone” – God’s character, not ours, guarantees that His strength never fails. Timeless Principles for Today’s Challenges • God’s strength is available, not abstract. Because Scripture is literal and true, the promise is practical for every believer. • Access to that strength comes through conscious dependence, not self-reliance. • Proclaiming His righteousness keeps the focus on Him, which in turn guards us from discouragement. Practical Steps to Walk in His Strength 1. Start every task by acknowledging your need. – Whisper, “Lord, I enter in Your strength,” before meetings, chores, or crises. 2. Saturate your mind with verses that name Him as strength. – Post or memorize them; let truth reshape reflexes. 3. Replace self-talk with God-talk. – Instead of “I can’t handle this,” speak Psalm 18:2 aloud: “The LORD is my rock….” 4. Act on what you know even while feelings lag. – Strength often meets obedience in motion, not before. 5. Tell someone what God did. – Testimony cements conviction and multiplies courage in others. Additional Scriptures That Reinforce the Truth • Isaiah 40:29-31: “He gives power to the faint…those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength.” • Ephesians 6:10: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.” • Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” • 2 Corinthians 12:9: “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” • Exodus 15:2: “The LORD is my strength and my song….” • Nehemiah 8:10: “The joy of the LORD is your strength.” Encouragement for Everyday Life When challenges loom, remember the Psalmist’s resolve: “I will enter in the strength of the Lord GOD.” That same, literal strength is yours in Christ today. Step into it, speak of it, and watch God’s unchanging righteousness carry you through. |
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