THE FOUR WAYS TO RENEW YOUR STRENGTHS

THE FOUR WAYS TO RENEW YOUR STRENGTHS

To regain your vitality, I would like to emphasize four straightforward truths:

Firstly, prioritize God as the source of your strength, rather than relying on other people. Avoid waiting for external factors or individuals to infuse strength into you or bring about positive changes in your life. Don't think along the lines of "Once I have a house, I will find inner contentment" or "Once I am married, I will experience fulfilment." Such thinking places your strength in the hands of others. Instead, make God the foundation of your strength. As stated in Philippians, "I can accomplish all things through Christ who empowers me." David also proclaimed that the Lord is his strength and song. Likewise, Israel referred to their God as the strength of Jacob.

God desires to be your source of strength, not your marriage, family, breakthrough, finances, or physical appearance—none of these external factors. Allow God to be your strength. When God spoke to Paul, He told him, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." This means that even if your spouse is unwilling to serve God, do not depend on them for your spiritual strength; instead, find strength in God. Similarly, if your children are misbehaving, do not let their actions drain you of your strength. Instead, rely on God as your source of strength, which is the primary truth to remember.

The second truth revolves around regaining and rejuvenating your strength by waiting upon the Lord through worship, prayer, and being in His presence. In the book of Isaiah, it is written that those who patiently wait upon the Lord will experience a renewal of their strength. Consider the way a waiter serves and attends to the needs of customers in a restaurant, bringing them food and catering to their requests. In a similar manner, you must invite God into your life, engaging in worship and patiently waiting for Him. By doing so, He will reset and replenish your inner strength. He will bring about a transformation within you, enabling you to emerge from any situation with a changed attitude. Waiting upon God allows Him to restore your strength, joy, and peace, as well as renew you.

The third truth centers around the practice of praying in tongues, also known as praying in the Holy Spirit. In the book of Jude, it is stated that praying in the Holy Spirit allows us to build our most holy faith. Additionally, in Corinthians, it is mentioned that praying in tongues serves as a means of self-encouragement when we feel depleted, discouraged, or empty. Praying in tongues is one of the most effective ways to strengthen yourself in God. You may wonder if you need to feel a certain way to engage in this type of prayer, but the beauty of it is that you don't have to rely on your feelings. Praying in tongues is a spiritual practice that is activated by your choice to participate. When you dedicate 10 to 15 minutes to pray in tongues, you will experience a shift in the atmosphere of your room and within your spirit. The external situation may remain the same, but you will walk away transformed, just like Moses descending from Mount Sinai with a radiant face or Jacob, who wrestled with God all night and encountered God's face in Esau. By renewing your strength through praying in tongues, something shifts in the spiritual realm. It sets you on a path of recovery and brings about a transformation in your life.

The fourth truth emphasizes the importance of speaking to your soul rather than living solely in your soul. Just as you renew your strength by remaining in the presence of God and speaking in tongues, you must also address your soul. David provides us with a powerful example in Psalm 103:1-5. He speaks to his soul, instructing it to bless the Lord and remember all the benefits God has bestowed upon him. David reminds his soul that God forgives iniquities, heals diseases, redeems from destruction, bestows loving-kindness and mercy, satisfies with good things, and renews life like the soaring eagles.

Similarly, in another psalm, David addresses his discouraged and downcast soul. He exhorts his soul to rise and trust in God, declaring that he will yet praise Him. David teaches us that we, as spiritual beings, should not allow our souls to dictate our state of being. Instead, we should speak to our souls, offering it encouragement, promises, and reassurances. When your soul is not feeling well, metaphorically give it coffee, nourish it with good food, and feed it with the promises of God. Remind your soul that everything will be okay, that God is the source of your strength, and that you can trust Him. Speak to your soul, calming it down, and affirming that God is in control. Even if you don't know how bills will be paid or what the future holds, remind your soul that God will supply all your needs according to His riches and glory. Instruct your soul to bless the Lord and not forget the past faithfulness of God.

Speaking to your soul is a key component in renewing your strength. While we may not have an exact blueprint of what David did to strengthen himself in the Lord, it is likely that he spoke to himself and waited on God. What we do know is that a transformation occurred in David. He shifted from a state of crying and weakness to one of strength. The scripture reveals that David sought the Lord's guidance only after making God his strength, not before.

The passage emphasizes the importance of making God the source of our strength and seeking His presence. It encourages us to rely on God rather than people or external circumstances for strength. The four simple truths highlighted are:

1. Make God the source of your strength, not others or worldly things.

2. Renew your strength by waiting upon the Lord in worship, prayer, and His presence.

3. Pray in tongues, allowing the Holy Spirit to strengthen and encourage you.

4. Speak to your soul, reminding it of God's faithfulness and making Him your strength before seeking His guidance.

The passage also emphasizes that God does not provide instruction to those who have not made Him their strength and inspiration. It uses examples from the lives of David, Elijah, Jesus, and King Saul to illustrate this principle. It encourages us to seek God's strength and renewal before asking for His guidance, as a strengthened soul is the one that God speaks to. The passage concludes by reminding us to trust in God, knowing that when He speaks, answers and direction will follow.