“He is my steadfast love and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield and he in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me” Psalm 144:2 ESV

The Lord has been my source of steadfast love at a time after my love has left this earth, and my love tank is left running on empty.  Furthermore, I am called to solely and constantly love and fill the love tanks of two energetic children that seem to always run amuck.  In all this, my life is not pitiful but actually very blessed.  “We are all faced with a series of great opportunities, brilliantly disguised as impossible situations.” (Chuck Swindoll) For some of us right now, it may mean learning to love in the often non-reciprocated- agape sense in a way that can only come from God.  For all of us, our “tank” must be filled from the fount of His Spirit, in order to then overflow to those who need the gospel.  It might be a daily battle, yet it is one that is won in Christ.  This verse is one we can take to heart, even in our weakness.  God will lift our head and display the greatness of His power.

It is believed that David wrote this Psalm in reference to war with the Ammonites and Syrians.  (Studies in the Book of Psalms) David ascribes glory to God for preparing him for the battle and the ultimate victory.  The previous verse he gives credit to God for teaching him the skills he needed for his particular warfare.  He was born as a shepherd boy; nonetheless, God taught and skilled him for battle unlike any other, even more so than most experience and strongest of men.  Frist, he had to wrestle with lions and bears, then with a giant.  When he fought Goliath, everyone was astounded –it was obvious that this young man’s strength did not reside in himself.  In these “small” battles, God is training us for the giants of war.  We have no idea what will come tomorrow, but we can be sure that God has already supplied the grace, like ammunition, for today’s attacks for His glory.

In my weakness, I despair…  My heart still feels a Grand Canyon size gapping hole. It stings. It was once full in the measure of God’s gift.  I had to part with half of whom I had become one.  Yet, not entirely as he has made me who I am today… That can’t be taken from me.  My faith is often tested and I am tempted to doubt and complain.  However, in the flood of testing, I can still count it as a blessing because my Hope is set on Christ who is a high tower and deliverer.  He is producing mighty faith and will make a warrior out of me and you.  Furthermore, God arms us with His grace to peacefully subdue the enemy of a lonely heart.  “We have the power over our desires instead of letting them have control over us.  We can get our desires down to match our circumstances.” (Nancy Wilson, Learning Contentment)

Heavenly Father, your steadfast love is a strong fortress.  May we lose ourselves and find our refuge and strength in your love, in Jesus name.

“Oh the deep, deep love of Jesus
Far surpassing all the rest
It’s an ocean full of blessing
In the midst of every test
Oh the deep, deep love of Jesus
Mighty Savior, precious Friend
You will bring us home to glory
Where Your love will never end.”

“Oh the Deep, Deep Love” by Sovereign Grace Music