“The Lord is my strength and my defense; He has become my salvation.” (Psalm 118:14)
There are many Christians who have “woulda, coulda, shoulda’s” in their lives.
Every now and then we hear some say, “I know that what I am doing is wrong — but I’m going to do it anyway. I would do the right thing but there is something inside me that is stronger than me and it makes me do these evil things. I would do the Lord’s will, but there is some thing deep within me that continues to make me a slave to sin, and I would give it up but have not been able to.”
That’s being lost “in the woulda, coulda, shoulda.” But the Psalmist decided that he would not be lost in these. Rather, he confidently cried out from the depths of his heart and said, “The Lord is my strength and my defense; He has become my salvation!”
We are never sufficient in ourselves to be or do all that God would have us to do. We have proven this time and time again: we often intend to do what is right only to realize that our best and most earnest efforts were not enough. Often, we filtered these desires by what we want rather than what God wants. We needed someone Who was above us and beyond us but willingly and lovingly lived within us and made changes daily.
Jesus said, “Without Me you can do nothing.” However, Paul gave us the solution to our lack of strength and the resource that is available to enable us to do God’s will: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!”
If we would do right and live right, He must be Lord. As Luther said regarding God’s word; “read, mark, learn and inwardly digest”.
Prayer
Often, Lord, we would do what is right only to fail. Strengthen us with Your Spirit to honor You always. You are our strength and reason to sing. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Stay encouraged!
Pastor Mike
