The Connection – Psalm 59

O my Strength, I will watch for you, for you, O God are my fortress. My God in his steadfast love will meet me…

O my Strength, I will sing praises to you, for you, O God, are my fortress, the God who shows me steadfast love.

When I read scripture, I try to note repetition of thought. If God is saying it multiple times, maybe it’s something I should listen to. While reading Psalm 59, the word “strength” caught my attention. 

The Psalm starts like so many others around it – David is running from enemies, desperate for God’s intervention.

Verse 8 has the key word “but” which means we are going to have a change in direction, a change in perspective. Then verse 9 and 17 have the phrase,

“O my Strength…”

“Strength” is capitalized, signaling it is a name for God. You see, God doesn’t just give strength, or is source of strength. He is “Strength.” That is who he is.

The connection I saw was in the next verse, in both cases, with the phrase, “steadfast love” (“lovingkindness” in NAS/KJ). 

Then it hit me.

Who he is, “Strength,” is connected to his “steadfast love.” That’s how he communicates his strength to us. 

It’s amazing the strength human love gives a person. They can wait patiently, expectantly, for a love to return. They can fight, physically and emotionally, for the safety of a loved one. They can serve humbly someone they love.

Think of God. With so much more strength and love then we will ever know, his thoughts are towards us.  We are his delight. He is Strength communicated to us through his steadfast, unrelenting, love. 

I have strength, because God loves me.

I don’t always feel it, often because I don’t take the time to feel it. Breathe it in. Fill your lungs with the thought, “I have strength, because God loves me.” Inhale it as the breath of life…

He is the Strength of life communicated to me through his love.

For what do you need strength? How can I be praying for you? 

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