19 But you, O LORD, be not far off; O my Strength, come quickly to help me. 20 Deliver my life from the sword, my precious life from the power of the dogs. 21 Rescue me from the mouth of the lions; save me from the horns of the wild oxen. 22 I will declare your name to my brothers; in the congregation I will praise you. 23 You who fear the LORD praise him! All you descendants of Jacob honor him! Revere him, all you descendants of Israel! 24 For he has not despised or disdained the suffering of the afflicted one; he has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help.

After decrying his hopeless situation, the Psalmist now turns his attention to the Lord. Even when in despair, he realizes that his only hope and help of salvation is from the Lord. When we have no more strength on our own, is when God makes his power available to us. But we must first divest ourselves of thinking we can do it alone. Paul, when pleading with God to remove his “thorn in the flesh” was told that the thorn would not be taken away but God would provide “grace sufficient” for his need. On another occasion Paul said that he was under such pressure that he could not endure. In fact, he said he felt in his heart that he was under the sentence of death. He then said these things happened so that he might not rely on himself but on God who raises the dead. (2 Cor. 1:8-11)

No matter what we face in life, we can always depend on God to take us thru. The problem is giving up on the notion that we can do it ourselves. God’s strength is only available to us when we humble ourselves and completely trust God for our every need. It is then that the God of hope fills our hearts with peace that surpasses comprehension. When we admit our own inability, we are ready to know the assurance of our Father who will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we are able to bear but with every temptation provides a way of escape. It is only then that we, like Paul, can say we can do all things thru Christ who gives us strength.

It is in this assurance that we praise God who bountifully provides our every need. It is this peace in our hearts that gives us joy unspeakable. It is then, because of this salvation, that we share the good news of our Savior with others around us. Praise God for his wonderful love!

Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your love is beyond my imagination; your tender mercy and compassion is more than I can understand. Give me strength to trust you and to open my heart to your Spirit so I can become more like you. Help me to rely on you and never on my own ability or on material things. Use me in your will. In Jesus’ name.

May God bless each of us as we humbly submit to our Lord.