WALK IN DIVINE STRENGTH

“They go from STRENGTH to STRENGTH, each one appears before God in Zion” – Psalm 84:7

To walk in perfection is to WALK in DIVINE STRENGTH: “They go from STRENGTH to STRENGTH, each one appears before God in Zion” (Psa.84:7). This essentially conveys the idea of progress: growing stronger and stronger. The natural tendency while walking is to go from strength to weakness; to start fresh and sturdy on the journey, but gradually, as the road is rough and the sun is hot, to rest by the wayside before trudging on wearily. The converse is the case for the Christian pilgrim: with fresh supplies of grace, we can remain as vigorous after years of tough tussle as when we first set out.

Even if the faithful pilgrim is not as hasty as he once was, he is much stronger in real strength. Like Caleb, he remains as firm in faith, fervent in spirit, and resilient in the truth, as in younger days! Isaiah puts it succinctly: “He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might HE INCREASES STRENGTH. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, but those who wait on the Lord shall RENEW THEIR STRENGTH; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint” (Isa.40: 29-31). These beautifully illustrate the lives of the bands of the redeemed journeying on toward our destination – the Heavenly Mount Zion!

In physical terms, the body becomes stronger through nutrition, exercise and the development of muscles. Physical strength and prowess have certain advantages, but the Bible underlines the significance of inner, spiritual strength: “strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man” (Eph.3:16b). This Strength is a by-product of Wisdom: “A wise man is strong, Yes a man of knowledge INCREASES STRENGTH” (Pro.24:5). Wise people are endowed with strength beyond their natural abilities, including strength of spirit and of character. The Hebrew words used here suggest a strength that comes from possessing and developing life’s skills; being so experienced and equipped as to face challenges and persevere in the face of obstacles; and seeking God’s discernment to make wise decisions.

Proverbs 24:10 warns: “If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small” (Pro.24:10). This infers that the spiritually strong is ready for tough times and life’s incessant pressures. He is armed, prepared, and equipped to rightly respond to diverse attacks. This demands being filled with the Holy Spirit, surrendering to the Lordship of Jesus, and resting firm on God’s Word. In ourselves, we are weak; but in Christ, we are indomitable! As Paul taught, “when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Cor.12:10). We are to: “Be STRONG in the LORD and in the power of His might” (Eph.6:10).

Real strength comes from the process of trust and reliance on God. The key to walking in Divine Strength is daily renewal in God (2 Cor. 4:16). As we daily feed on the Word, worship our Father, and commune with the Holy Spirit and the saints, we are invigorated, cheered, and comforted to advance with ardour, firmness of purpose and increased strength. We walk more firmly and tread our way more cheerfully and triumphantly.

God’s Will is not for us to slide from “affliction to affliction” or “weakness to weariness” but rise from one victory to another, until we appear before Him in Zion! Verses 5-6 say “Blessed is the man whose STRENGTH is in You, whose heart is set on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a spring…” True Believers leave positive impact along life’s pathway, rather than negativity and gloom. They transform the “valley of Baca” – the valley of weeping – into Wells of Joy and Springs of Sweetness! And that Joy reproduces more strength: “…for the joy of the LORD is your STRENGTH” (Neh.8:10b).

As you rejoice in the Lord, with absolute reliance and trust, this shall be your portion: “For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord will give grace and glory; no good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly” (vv.11).