Strengthened Soul

"On the day I called, You answered me..."  Psalm 138:3a

If you're in the midst of a difficult season, illness, or marriage, you may read these words and breathe yet another prayer.  For help.  For healing.  For reconciliation.  For justice.  For God to just take the circumstance away.

In this particular Psalm, God answers in another way.

"On the day I called, You answered me; my strength of soul you increased."  Some translations read, "You made me bold in my soul with strength."

The flesh balks at this answer to prayer.  But faith embraces it.  The Psalmist, David, continues in verses 7-8:

"Though I walk in the midst of trouble,
You preserve my life;
You stretch out Your hand
against the wrath of my enemies,
and Your right hand delivers me.
The LORD will fulfill His purpose for me;
Your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever.
Do not forsake the work of Your hands."

Suffering and trials can be part of His purposes to make us into the image of Christ, and His purpose will be fulfilled.  He always holds and controls the line on the amount of suffering we face.  As you face circumstances that you once thought you would never survive, recognize that He is strengthening your soul.  I have prayed this for you, dear reader, and for me.

May Jesus be glorified as the world sees the strength He gives your soul.