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Morning Devotion: Strengthening yourself in the Lord. 

“Peace is not the absence of challenges or pain. Peace is the presence of Jesus.” 

“David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because all the people were bitter in soul, each for his sons and daughters. But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God,”~1 Samuel 30:6. 

The greatest weapon we have against disappointment, despair, unrest, distress, and spiritual attacks is relationship with God and reception of His word, love, comfort. 

There are dark nights in this life where no one will answer the phone to pray, no one will come sit with us, and no human being has the answer. These moments can be strengthening if we choose to use the tools God gave us. 

A person can drown in a small amount of water if they panic. Jesus responds to every storm, “Peace be still.” God did not say, “You will have no troubles, no pain, no heartache this side of heaven.” He did say, “In this world you will have trouble, yet take heart-I have overcome the world.” 

Learning to know God and cultivate intimacy with God in every day life prepares us for fierce storms with God. Having God’s word in us gives us a deep well to pull from when facing great challenges. What does His word say? What is true of God? Feelings try to hijack truth. Yet feelings are in no way an indication of truth. Feelings are fickle, unstable, and not to guide our lives. Feelings are indicators, not actual truth. 

Rather than jumping on the phone, our greatest weapon is going to God’s throne. “Here I am God. Life has presented some incredible challenges. I need you.” People can provide some relief yet none can do what God does. None can provide the solutions and wisdom or comfort of God. God is the strongest being on the planet. Our greatest strength lies in intimacy with God. 

Some, not all, of the most profound miracles in my life and encounters happened with just me and God. No one came to hold me, sit with me, love on me, care for me, pour out wisdom, or help me. It was me and God. Those moments taught me so much about who God is. I am thankful for community, my tribe, framily (friend family), and some support-yet they are not God. They are not all knowing, always present, their love is not perfect (nor is mine). God is God. He is our strength and our portion forever. 

“My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever,”~Psalm 73:26. 

Favor is not a feeling. Sometimes favor looks like being thrown into a pit by your siblings, sold into slavery, thrown into prison, and being lied on like Joseph. Sometimes it looks like facing Goliath or being outnumbered like David. Sometimes it looks like the Garden of Gethsemane, betrayed by your people/closest friends like Jesus. 

Favor does not always look or feel good. It cannot be measured by the chapter we walk in on or are currently experiencing. Favor comes from God and He fulfills His word to work ALL things together for a greater good for those who love Him and are called according to His purposes. Hold fast to truth over feelings or circumstances. 

Joseph, David, and Jesus gained Kingdoms! Do not give up in a temporary situation. Life here is temporary; heaven is eternal!

Papa for every hurting or discouraged person I ask for your incredible love, comfort, peace, and joy to saturate each heart. I ask for time alone with you and deeper intimacy with you. Any unhealthy emotions and thoughts to come into alignment with your truth. Lord may we find our strength in you and you alone. In Jesus powerful name. 

Love in Christ, 

Erin Lamb