TDR: 11 July (Psalm 29:11)

‘The Lord will give strength to his people’ (Psalm 29:11)

However hot the war, or sore the trial, we may be sure of this, that “as our day, so shall our strength be” [Deuteronomy 33:25]. God has promised, and He will give. He gives because they are His people, as the Father to His children; because He has covenanted to do so, and He is faithful.

He has raised their expectations, and He will not disappoint them; He has commanded them to pray, and He will not refuse. He will give sufficient strength – enough, but perhaps none to spare – all suitable to their circumstances and wants.

Has the Lord pledged Himself to give strength to His people? Yes, and to be their strength. So let us fight courageously, look forward joyfully, bear every cross patiently, pray fervently, praise daily, and believe confidently.

God has spoken – saints in every age have found Him a truth-telling, promise-performing God. Satan is a liar, a deceiver, a false witness against God. So let us resist him, and he will flee from us.

Give me Thy strength, O God of power;
Then let winds blow, or thunders roar,
Thy faithful witness will I be.
‘Tis fixed; I can do all through Thee:
Fulfil Thy sovereign counsel, Lord,
Thy will be done, Thy name adored!

THE DAILY REMEMBRANCER by James Smith (1802-1862)

Journal Jottings

‘JAN. 1845. The last year went out under a cloud, arising from domestic affliction, and other circumstances of a painful nature. Still, there was a bow in the cloud, for on the last Lord’s day, I baptized 15, one of whom was my son William, so that, now, three of my sons are in the church.’