"When
He spoke to me, I was strengthened" (Daniel 10:19). The strength we
receive from the Lord is a greater strength than the temptations we face
- "the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world"
(1 John 4:4). To know that we receive such strength from the Lord is
very encouraging when we are mocked by "our tormentors" (Psalm 137:3).
Their scorn makes us wonder, "How can we sing the songs of the Lord
while in a foreign land?" (Psalm 137:4). When this question arises in
our hearts, "God who is greater than our hearts" (1 John 3:20) speaks
His Word, and we are strengthened with the strength which comes from
Him, His strength. With His strength, we are able to sing "songs of joy"
(Psalm 137:3). We have this testimony - "The joy of the Lord is my
strength." By ourselves, we are cast down with weeping (Psalm 137:1).
Strengthened by the Lord, we have joy. We rejoice in Him.
What God did for His people, Israel, was very great. There is a striking contrast between their slavery in Egypt and their abundance in the promised land. God had multiplied His blessing upon them, just as Jesus did when He turned water into wine (John 2:1-11). If the blessing is to be maintained and increased, we must honour the Lord. We must cry to Him for blessing: "Hear my prayer, O God, listen to the words of my mouth." We must call upon Him with faith: "Surely God is my help; the Lord is the One who sustains me" (Psalm 54:2,4).
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