A phrase from that grand old hymn has been on my mind of late. “Strength for Today, Bright hope for Tomorrow.” Because of the Holy Spirit’s presence and the promises of God we can pray for and be assured of strength and hope from the One who loves us most.
I find myself asking God for strength for each day. Life is full of struggles and questions and each day brings it share of both. You would think that at my age I would be able to handle things better and be filled with joy even when things do not go well. But with my human frailties, I don’t live up the truths I know. But I will keep trusting; knowing that nothing will come my way that hasn’t passed through the filter of God’s love.
Paul was told by the Father that his weakness allowed the strength of God to be put on display. “My strength is made perfect in your weakness.” (11 Cor. 12:8) So, when I get caught up in my self-sufficient lifestyle and in my pride; when I give attention to the applause of men, then I am sure to fall, because God will not share his glory with another. I wish some political leaders would grasp this truth.
We see Lincoln on his knees at Gettysburg. Spurgeon with hundreds of men praying for him in the basement. George Mueller praying for provisions for the orphans under his care. And every pastor worth his salt broken before God before he goes into the pulpit.
And there is that great hope for tomorrow; that eternal promise that gives us strength to carry on when the way grows weary. We do not operate out of the great wisdom or knowledge of our finite being. Any gift we have comes from the Father as an act of Divine Grace. God speaking through the prophet Isaiah says, “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go. If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would be like a river and your righteousness like the noonday sun. (Isaiah 48:17-19)
The hope for tomorrow is not just for the rewards to be handed out in heaven, but the certainty that God is real, he loves me, and I can trust Him. We may not understand and wonder where he is taking us. But our “God knows the way through the wilderness. All we have to do is follow.”
When I am about to lose hope and see the clouds rather than the sun, I remind myself that this too will pass and good days will come if I obey and rest in his faithfulness.
“Lord, may my days be filled with joy and hope. May I not let Satan eclipse the power of faith and obedience as I trust you. Impart to me the strength to see the difficulties of the day as stepping stones to make me more like Jesus.” To comment: [email protected] or 1580-302-1142
