How We Strengthen Ourselves In The Lord Our God - Part 1

Today's Word of Encouragement from Wayne:

"David strengthened himself in the Lord his God"

1 Samuel 30:6

So how exactly do we strengthen ourselves in the Lord our God? I believe there are many ways. First and foremost though, when we enter a time of ministering to the Lord, there is a specific focus and understanding we possess, regarding our identity as priests unto God. Jesus Christ "has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father" (Revelation 1:6). We have become God’s Own "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9). When we enter the "inner court" which, according to the pattern in the Old Testament, was next to the "Holy of Holies," we are entering our "inner room," as Jesus Said (Matthew 6:6); being the inner court within us, so we may specifically minister to God as close as consciously possible to His presence in His Holy of Holies.

This is our understanding, of ourselves as priests unto God. So, even before we open our mouths in praise and adoration, or still ourselves in awe and meditation, we are strengthened in our Lord by knowing our identity as priests in His secret place, where we meet to minister to Him. In the spirit, we prepare ourselves with this understanding of this sacred office and privilege even as we enter. This is how we clothe ourselves with our beautiful garments, as the inner court priests of the Old Testament were so adorned when they ministered to the Lord. "Awake, awake, clothe yourself in your beautiful garments" (Isaiah 52:1).

Ministering to the Lord is always first about who we are, priests unto God our Father, and then about what we do, ministering in His presence. Clothe yourself with this beautiful understanding and you will be strengthened in the Lord even as you approach His presence. Hallelujah!