The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalms 27:1

When I was younger I would pray often for strength from God. The more I studied, the more I noticed the “is” in verses like Psalm 27:1. David wasn’t asking for strength, he didn’t need strength, “the Lord is the strength of my life.” I’ve gone through many trials in my life, but when I pray I thank God for being my strength. When I was tired and afraid in Basic Military Training, I remember thanking God for being my strength. The first time I went through a weapons certification, stressed and afraid, I remember thanking God for being my strength. The first time I worked on a nuclear weapon, I remember thanking God for being my strength. The time I had to call to Munitions Control to describe the lifeless body of an airman lying on the maintenance bay floor, I remember thanking God for being my strength. Those are just some trials in my military life, not my personal life which have been many. Through them all, God is my strength.

Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me. These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
John 16:32-33

Isn’t it a wonderful thing to know we are never alone? Not only is God our strength, God is with us always. We aren’t waiting for a savior to overcome the world, He has already overcome the world. God is my strength and He is with me.

Originally published November 2016