A SHORT but POWERFUL Verse When You’re Overwhelmed
What’s your favorite verse? The one you go to when your insides scream, “Father, help me handle this!”?
I love Psalm 18 (ESV). It’s a powerful passage with a beautiful first verse:
I love you, O Lord, my strength.
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.
What about you?
I’d love to hear your thoughts about this post. (Your comment might also benefit others.)
If you’re reading by email, CLICK HERE to visit Today Can Be Different online and leave a comment. If you would like to subscribe to this blog and receive the most recent post to your inbox, see sidebar! There’s no charge for this service. AND, I’d be tickled if you would consider sharing this post.
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.
Sheryl I am so thankful for God’s strength that he gives me every day and,I am blessed that He healed me from my migraines after being 3years bedridden and,now I am more active able to help my husband and others out in their time of need. God is good all the time. All the time God is good. I am thankful even though I don’t know what he is doing in my adult children’s lives. I know He has already won. Even if I don’t see the results of everything yet.
I’ve often admired your beautiful faith, Susan — even when you “don’t see the results in everything yet.”
Sheryl please pray for me my dry eyes don’t like me house cleaning but,I know with God’s help I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. God bless us everyone.
I will pray for your eyes, Susan, so that you can do everything the Lord would have you do – even clean your house! 🙂 Please also pray for me to dust my house in spite of allergies.
Love you, my friend.
And thank you so much for stopping by and leaving a comment “ and for sharing my devotion on your FB page! I always appreciate it.
Yes, there are so many verses about God’s strength! These are some of my favorites: “The LORD is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation.” Psalm 118:14. “My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26. A Psalm of David. “The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1. Thanks Sheryl for reminding me of how many verses the Lord reminds us that He is our strength, Fortress and Deliverer!
Oh, YES! Amen!! While reading your comment, Kim, I could hear my heart singing! Thank you for sharing them.
I appreciate your stopping by Today Can Be Different again!
Discussion of health issues always makes me yearn to share all I have learned in my years of studying massage therapy and associated practices. But I am amazed, too, when I hear stories of answered prayers around health issues. The irony here is that many massage therapists lack Jesus and many Christians lack health …. perhaps my path includes sharing Jesus’s comfort and grace as well as sharing natural health and wellness practices and knowledge.
Hello, my dear friend Elizabeth.
My prayer for you is that God continues to reveal His truth to you – especially as a new believer.
I am so proud of the growth I have already seen in you. And I look forward to see how God will use you with the skills and knowledge He provides through His Word and fellow believers.
Press on, Elizabeth. You have so much to look forward to!