June 25
June 25
Psalm 68:28–35
How Strong Is God?
We don’t go far on our own strength. Here, David instructs us how to understand and appropriate the strength of God. He tells us to ascribe strength to God. Realize that He is a God of strength. “His excellence is over Israel, and His strength is in the clouds” (v. 34). That means His strength is high up. God can get strength even from the clouds (nothing but rolling vapor). We think of God as loving, gracious, and merciful. But let’s also think of Him as strong.
We also need to ask for strength from God. “Strengthen, O God, what You have done for us” (v. 28). We have every privilege to come and ask God for the strength we need today. “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. 40:31). God has already determined what He wants to do. He’ll do it when we request it. “You do not have because you do not ask” (James 4:2).
Next, we need to acknowledge that our strength is from God. “The God of Israel is He who gives strength and power to His people. Blessed be God!” (v. 35). If you need strength today, don’t look to yourself or to anyone else. Look up, because God is the God of strength, and He wants to command strength for you if you’ll ask Him.
Often Satan will tempt you to draw your strength from the world’s substitutes. When that happens, remember the truths of this psalm. When you need strength to continue the battle, spend time in prayer with God. Ascribe strength to Him, ask Him for strength and acknowledge that your strength is from Him.