20 Dec January 17th Daily Devotion

A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON PAUL’S LETTER TO THE  CHURCH AT PHILIPPI

THE LORD STRENGTHEN YOU

Philippians 4:13 “I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.”

Yesterday, I received in the mail an advertising piece for a huge fitness center that just opened in the area.  This company is located in many communities with huge facilities.  Their parking lots are jam packed.  Almost 70 million Americans belong to these fitness centers and over 80 million work-out on a somewhat regular basis.  People want to be healthy and strong.

St. Paul is writing today about a different kind of fitness or strength.  His message is not about muscles and joint flexibility.  It is, however, about strength, although of a different kind.  The words verse 12 tell of a different kind of need, “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.” The source for Paul dealing with the challenges he faced was not a gym membership or finding the right coach. “I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13)

The Him referred to by Paul is Jesus.  In Galatians 2:20 he put it this way, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” In Philippians 1:22 he wrote that he would continue “ . . . being bold for Christ.”  In 2 Corinthians 12:9 He wrote about how He trusted Jesus’ promise to Him, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”  He said to Timothy, “But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength . . . I was delivered from the lion’s mouth.” (2 2 Timothy 4:17)

Jesus promises to be with you also.  He says to you, “I am with you always and will be unto the end of the world.” (Matthew 28:20)  You also can do all things through Jesus who will give you the strength you need.  Since He is for you, no one and nothing can be against you. (Romans 8:31)

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, be my grant me strength to carry me safely through all of life’s challenges.  In Your holy name.  Amen.

Who trusts in God A strong abode In heav’n and earth possesses’

Who looks in love to Christ above, No fear that heart oppresses,

In You alone, Dear Lord, we own Sweet hope and consolation,

Our shield from foes, Our balm for woes, Our great and sure salvation.

Though Satan’s wrath Beset our path And worldly scorn assail us,

While You are near, We shall not fear;

Your strength will never fail us,

Your rod and staff Will keep us safe  And guide our steps forever;

Nor shades of death Nor hell beneath Our lives from You will sever.

In all the strife Of mortal life Our feet will stand securely;

Temptation’s hour Will lose its pow’r, For You will guard us surely.

O God, renew With heav’nly dew Our body, soul, and spirit

Until we stand At Your right hand Through Jesus’ saving merit.

(LSB 714)