Many of us desire to be strong in some way or excel in an area. Our desire for strength in many cases can be rooted in our yearning for security. We want to have the power to achieve some sense of safety or confidence in an area. We spend our days trying to be the best or just good enough. We work trying to gain and acquire success in our goals. But as Christians, the wisest and best move is first to establish ourselves in God because His blessings enrich us and add no sorrow (Proverbs 10:22). We are encouraged in Matthew 6 and given the instructions to gaining everything we need and want. Verse 33 " But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
We can be strong and courageous because God is with us (Joshua 1:9). We can be and achieve because God is in us through His Spirit. (1 Cor 3:16-17). We can be wise and strong enough to triumph on this earth because God is the source of our strength (Exodus 15:2). If we acknowledge Him or not, He is the source of everything we are and gives us the potential to become what we are not (Isaiah 40:29).
In God, we "live move and have our being" (Acts 17:28).
Our gratefulness and contentment nurture and establishes our connection and deepens our roots in Him. We become like that tree planted beside the waters reaching our our roots to the source getting all we need to stay fruitful and well during fiery trials and harsh seasons (Jeremiah 17:7-8). We establish ourselves in Him through trust and confidence. We stay in love and grow even deeper roots of connection with God when we appreciate who He is and are grateful for His presence in our lives.
This world is filled with various opportunities, temptations, and opinions. It can be hard to solely commit to God when we are presented with so many other choices. However, it is essential to set an unwavering higher value on God the Source above all the resources. Those who look to gain strength and security from other things will continually fall short of receiving the abundance of God's blessings and being triumphant. God's blessings are not boxed into categories of monetary gain, popularity, and miracles but extend to rest for our souls and peace that guards our hearts and minds.
To stay strong and connected, we must guard our hearts against the world's influences, mentalities, and raging emotions that will try to turn our attention from drawing from God and began looking for strength from something else inferior. So, let's store the word of God in our hearts (Psalm 119:11-13) so that we are not tricked and deceived into connecting to things that steal our strength.
Father God helps us to find contentment and become grounded in You. May we stay seeking you and connected so that we receive the spiritual strength and wellness to go through each season and circumstance (1 Peter 5:10). Let our pleasure be found in You, Our God. Keep us at peace and let our love for You encourage us to dig and establish ourselves even more in You. Thank You for your abounding mercies and abundant grace. Forgive us for the times we have placed our confidence, our future, ourselves, something or someone else in You, in Jesus Name Amen.