Our Songs of Strength
When we come together on the Lord’s Day, we worship in song. This is a time where we give glory in our heart to God and speak to one another as we teach and admonish one another (cf. Eph 5:19, Col 3:16). This is an utmost part of our worship on the Lord’s day, but singing is not isolated to our worship assembly, we may sing as we go. We may sing together in diverse places. In all times, we must remember we sing songs that extol the virtues of the God of Heaven. When we sing, we must remember the source of our strength–our song.
The Songs of our Heritage
There are a number of songs in the Scripture that give us examples of our brethren proclaiming the goodness, the virtue, and the truth that is Jehovah our strength. We would be wise to reflect on singing songs that reflect our strength in Jehovah the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel. A proper example is found in the song of Moses.
Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto Jehovah, and spake, saying, I will sing unto Jehovah, for he hath triumphed gloriously: The horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea. Jehovah is my strength and song, And he is become my salvation: This is my God, and I will praise him; My father's God, and I will exalt him.
Ex 15:1-2
The strength of God was manifest in His victory over the Egyptian oppressor. Jehovah triumphed gloriously in this crossing of the Red Sea and defeated the enemy of His people as the water rushed over the warriors. Yes, Jehovah is our strength and song.
We would be wise to Sing like David. Psalm 27:1-2 “Jehovah is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? Jehovah is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid? When evil-doers came upon me to eat up my flesh, Even mine adversaries and my foes, they stumbled and fell.”
Sing of the Resilience Found in Jehovah
These inspired songs help us to remember just how resilient the Lord makes us. It is not through the power of military might, it is our light and salvation that gives us peace from fear. There is no one to fear when Jehovah is your God. Jesus reminds us again about the proper view we should have. “And be not afraid of them that kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell (Matt 10:28).”
Have you ever seen someone who was resilient despite all that was thrown at them? It seems they were strong against the odds. Someone might beat cancer with the assistance of great doctors with great treatments. Another person might overcome a financial setback and go on to successfully rebuild their financial well-being. One thing that is necessary for every story of someone who has overcome is the right attitude. This is no different for New Testament Christians. We each must take setbacks and failures in stride, trusting our Lord always to be our rock and salvation. This will take each of us using the Words of the faithful, rather than the words of failure.
Sing with the Perception of Paul
Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therein to be content. I know how to be abased, and I know also how to abound: in everything and in all things have I learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in want. I can do all things in him that strengtheneth me.
(Philippians 4:11-13).
Paul’s language was not of failure but of victory. It was one that appealed to a stronger one than he. He wrote these words while in prison for a crime he did not commit. He appealed to Caesar because the wicked Jews in Jerusalem wanted to kill him, and God used the circumstances to give him an audience in Rome (cf. Acts 23:11). Paul knew the One he served was greater than any earthly king. Paul knew this truth as spoken by Daniel, “the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men” (cf. Dan. 4:17).
Contentment in varying situations is something we can truly do, and it is one step to overcoming the challenges of life. If we are content in lean times or bad times, we can surely be content in all good times. Paul says this literally in Php 4:13, “I have strength for all things in Him who strengthens me. The secret to contentment in all things is being in Christ Jesus. The secret to being strengthened in all things is being in Christ Jesus. This promise is only for those who are in Christ Jesus. The only way we get through economic insecurity and hyperinflation is in Christ Jesus. The only source of strength at all times is being in Christ.
What Can We Do With This Strength?
Our words can help indicate our faith or lack of it. David said, “I have been young, and now am old; Yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, Nor his seed begging bread (Ps 37:25). Paul reminds us that the Lord is for us and provides a way for us to escape temptation (cf. 1 Cor 10:13). Peter assures us, “The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous (cf. 1 Pet 3:12).” I want to encourage you to not only recall all that the Lord has done to sustain you to this point, but also to plan on remembering why He does it. He loves His own; He provides all spiritual blessings which are in Christ (cf. Eph 1:3). May we ever sing of His strength.
Grace and Peace,
R.D. Beavers
