March 29, 2018 - - Father You increase the strength of my soul.

On the day I called, you answered me;

my strength of soul you increased.

Psalm 138:3 ESV

First I imagine Jesus praying this whole psalm to His Father. The timing would be this: praying in the Garden of Gethsemane just before the betrayer (His own disciple of 3 years Judas Iscariot) led Roman soldiers to that place to arrest Jesus.

God the Father strengthened the soul of Jesus. We see His strength of soul displayed when Jesus was betrayed, flogged, mocked, tried in a court and found innocent and yet sentenced to a cross. He not only endured it, according to Hebrews 12:2 saw through the agonies just ahead of Him to the joy of knowing:

~the Father is glorified,

~Satan the accuser is disarmed,

~dead and ruined sinners are raised to life in His Name.

Because of the accomplished work of Jesus, I know God hears my cries and pleas. The Father's response to my prayer is this: He strengthens my soul to endure all things, and every single thing--until that glorious day when I shall see Jesus face to face.

King Jesus, I praise You for Your great love and steadfast faithfulness to me--a repeat offender in sin. Thank You for the gift beyond all value and measure--Your condemnation and death in my place! Pour out Your Spirit so that the strength of my soul is increased. Break the strongholds of repetitive sin and for the glory of Your Name and the great praise of the Father help me to walk in newness of life. Amen.