March 17 Petition Mission

“My soul melts from heaviness; strengthen me according to Your word” (Ps 119:28). Who hasn’t sagged at times under life’s loads? You’ll notice that David doesn’t ask for relief from the heavy burden, but for greater strength to carry on.

But how exactly does God strengthen us through His Word? John Newton explained the situation: “Faith [believing what the Lord has said in His Word] upholds a Christian under all trials by assuring him that every painful dispensation is under the direction of his Lord; that chastisements are a token of His love; that the season, measure, and continuance of his sufferings are appointed by Infinite Wisdom, and designed to work for his everlasting good; and that grace and strength shall be afforded him, according to his need.”

Well, that seems to have everything covered, doesn’t it! Who but the one who trusts can say with Abraham Wright, “I am mended by my sickness, enriched by my poverty, and strengthened by my weakness”?