Strength

by Michael Olson

I am with you, says the Lord, to save you.
Jeremiah 30:11

At my first defense no one came to my support, but all deserted me. May it not be counted against them! But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength.
2 Timothy 4:16-17

I am thankful that I'm able to take a walk each morning around my neighborhood. I know of people who can barely walk or who have mobility issues and wish that they could walk freely.

I am thankful that I have private students who are learning to play the piano and organ. Music is so important for everyone, but especially now during these uncertain times. I can't imagine my life without music, and I think it would be difficult for people without some kind of music in their lives as well.

I went to the dentist early Monday morning. I'm glad that I like my dentist and my dental hygienist or things would have been less pleasant. There were new protocols in place, understandably, and a new machine which unnerved me a bit. I must confess that I asked the Lord "more than once" to give me strength during my visit to the dentist!

My desire for everyone these days is to stay safe and healthy, and to be strong and courageous each and every day. We need not live in fear and apprehension, but we need to trust in the Lord to give us strength to meet the challenges and demands of each new day.

I did not think that I was going to share a song today because, right offhand, I couldn't think of a song about strength. But then, the light bulb in my head flickered a bit and I was reminded of an old song entitled "God Gives His People Strength" so I shall share the first verse of that song with you today:

God gives His people strength if we believe in His way.
He's swift to repay all those who bear the burden of the day.
God gives His people strength.

And then the second verse talks about hope, the third verse talks about love, and the fourth verse talks about peace.

I know very, very well that I cannot live on my own without the strength of the Lord to help and guide me. Hope is certainly something we all need right now, and love is timeless, and peace is always in short supply.

The song is correct: God gives His people strength -- right here and right now. Be strong in the Lord always!!

Michael Olson, Minister of Music

molson@flcfargo.org

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