Psalm 28:8 “The LORD is the strength of his people,”
[In ourselves we have no strength to speak of. We are here on earth for a short time with a limited sphere of influence, very little strength, unable to control even our basic lust for significance and security, and we live at the mercy of many other forces around us.
But in you, Lord Jesus, we are given strength, filled with your Spirit, washed in your grace, enlightened by your Word, protected by your power, used for great things by your hand. As it says in Colossians 1:11, we are to pray to be “strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that [we] may have great endurance and patience….” Our eyes are on you, Lord Jesus, for otherwise we know not what to do.]
“The Lord is…a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.”
[You, O Lord God, have declared yourself our Fortress and Protector, the Deliverer and Savior of all who trust in you. In you only there is safety, security, significance and salvation. These are found in no other; all else is temporary, incomplete, unstable, fickle, weak and futile.
The choice is ever before us: Jesus or self, safety or fear, life or death, transformation or termination, good or evil, victory or failure? In you is all good, Lord Jesus; we only need to surrender so you may work all this in and through us.
Psalm 28:9 “Save your people and bless your inheritance;”
[Praise you, Lord God, that we are your people: chosen, purchased, cherished, dearly loved, delighted in and doted on. Praise you that we are your inheritance: redeemed, treasured, protected and loved. Praise you that in daily happenings you save us and bless us, preparing every event, providing all we need and protecting us in love.]
“be their shepherd and carry them forever.”
[And so you are, Lord Jesus: our Eternal, Great and Wonderful Shepherd, lifting us up in your arms and carrying us through life. You are forever leading, sheltering, feeding, watering, exercising and strengthening us. You carry us through each day, arranging all, holding back the enemy, preparing a feast in the presence of our enemies, leading us beside the still waters, providing patience, peace and purpose. And this you will do forever with passion, power and persistence.
So, we can rest in you, rejoice in you, rise up each day in your power, wisdom and goodness. You are worthy of honor, Lord Jesus, of obedience, of worship, of praise and glory. May I give you honor and exaltation today by choosing to live in a way that is worthy of you, being strong in you and the power of your might.