A powerful verse when you’re overwhelmed
Sheryl Boldt
What’s your favorite verse? The one you go to when your insides scream, “Father, help me handle this!”?
I love Psalm 18. It’s a powerful passage with a beautiful first verse: “I love you, O Lord, my strength” (ESV).
Every time I read Psalm 18, I linger on this verse for a long while. I can’t read it without tears flowing down my cheeks, especially when I repeat the words over and over again. “I love You, O Lord, my strength.”
David wrote this psalm after God delivered him from overwhelming trials. There are days I’m convinced God had me in mind when he inspired David to write Psalm 18. Do you feel the same way?
As you read this portion of Scripture, consider how the verses relate to the issues you’re facing. You might even want to journal some of your thoughts.
Write about the times you witnessed God’s strength when you felt overwhelmed or threatened. The times God made you stronger – stronger than you ever thought possible to face a crisis or unfair circumstances at home, work or school.
Recall how thankful you felt each time God answered your prayer for discernment, energy or “more hours in a day.” How relieved you felt when God intervened in your marriage or when you lost your job. Remember the comfort and grace you received after you got the cancer diagnosis. And how He gave you peace to trust His sovereignty when He answered your prayer differently than the way you hoped.
Then journal how these experiences have changed your relationship with the God of all strength – and about how different your life might be if you hadn’t experienced God’s presence.
What would you have done without His mighty strength? How would you cope if His power wasn’t available to you today?
This week, consider meditating on Psalm 18 to gain a different perspective on the stresses of your life. Watch how pondering the verses gives you the strength you need. Let God’s presence remind you that He is real. That He is POWERFUL. As you read, be encouraged to know that your cry reaches His ears and allow Him to draw you out of the “many waters” of your circumstances (verses 6 and 13).
Throughout the day, tell God, “I love You, O Lord, my strength.” Let Him make you stronger. Stronger than you ever thought possible.
Let’s pray: Father, I love You from the deepest part of my being. Thank You for the times you’ve given me Your strength just when I needed it. And now, Lord, I ask You to please strengthen me once again. Amen.
Sheryl H. Boldt is a faith columnist and the author of the blog www.TodayCanBeDifferent.net. You can reach her at SherylHBoldt@gmail.com.
