Today’s Post Written By: Rae Lynn DeAngelis
“Again the one who looked like a man touched me and gave me strength. ‘Do not be afraid, O man highly esteemed,” he said. “Peace! Be strong now; be strong.’ When he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, ‘Speak, my lord, since you have given me strength.’” (Daniel 10:18-19)
As Jesus and His disciples made their way towards the Garden of Gethsemane, the weight that Jesus was about to endure was unimaginable. I cannot comprehend the dread of knowing the full extent of one’s future suffering.
Jesus’ physical suffering was horrific to be sure, but His spiritual suffering was even worse. The Son of God would have to bear the weight of every sin on that cross – a fate even worse than death. The weight was more than man alone could bear, but of course Jesus was not an ordinary man. Only God could bear the weight of the sins of the world. Jesus, God in the flesh, not only carried our sins, but He also carried the strength and comfort of His Father.
One morning during my devotion time, the Lord led me to Scripture after Scripture, revealing the place where our strength can be found. It comes through our quiet time with the Lord.
O Lord, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress. (Isaiah 33:2)
“…In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength…” (Isaiah 30:15b)
“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:12-13)
Jesus understood the importance of gaining strength through daily prayer and quiet time with God. Throughout His life, Jesus made a practice of spending time away from the watchful eyes of others to be alone with His Father.
The night before His crucifixion, Jesus needed the strength of His Father more than ever. Deep in the garden of despair, on bended knees and in humble submission, the strength of Jesus was renewed. If God in the flesh needed the strength of His Father, how much more do we?
Is there something weighing heavy on your heart, exhausting all of your strength? Go to a quiet place and spend time alone with the Father. You too will find inner peace and quiet strength to face whatever tomorrow brings.
“I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being….” (Ephesians 3:16)
“That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 1:19-20)
