Strength for the Lonely Isaiah 41:9-11

Loneliness is one of man’s most painful and feared emotions. Many people consider isolation, disconnectedness, and abandonment excruciating—especially during periods of crisis. Because Paul knew what it felt like to be deserted, his life and letters offer encouragement for such difficult times. As we saw yesterday, the apostle was motivated by the presence of Christ. Now let’s look at what fueled His courage.

First, Paul experienced the strength of God. He wrote, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13). Often, the Lord allows us to come to the end of our ability so that we see His hand. Otherwise, we’d attribute success to our own doing. For example, the apostle was facing possible death charges in court, and it must have been tempting to water down the truth in order to save his own life. But God enabled him to be forthright in proclaiming again the gospel of Jesus Christ—fearlessly, boldly, and effectively.

Second, Paul knew he was fulfilling God’s will, so he didn’t compromise, even in the face of death. Instead, the apostle found satisfaction, energy, and overwhelming joy because he was obedient to the call on his life. The believer’s reality is bigger than the “seen”—bigger than the imminent moment. So obeying Christ is our goal and our joy.

Remember, even in painful circumstances, three truths are certain: Jesus stands with us; He strengthens us for whatever task God wants us to accomplish; and He will enable us to fulfill God’s purpose till our final breath. Be comforted and encouraged by these promises of the living Lord.

No Condemnation

There he broke the flashing arrows, the shield, the sword, and the weapons of war.

Psalms 76:3

Our Redeemer’s glorious cry of “It is finished” was the death-knell of all the adversaries of His people, the breaking of “the weapons of war.” Behold the hero of Golgotha using His cross as an anvil, and His wounds as a hammer, dashing to pieces bundle after bundle of our sins, those poisoned “flashing arrows,” trampling on every indictment and destroying every accusation. What glorious blows the mighty Breaker gives with a hammer far more powerful than the fabled weapon of Thor! How the diabolical darts break in pieces, and the infernal swords are broken like old clay pots! Consider how He draws from its sheath of hellish workmanship the dreadful sword of satanic power! He snaps it across His knee as a man breaks dry sticks and throws it into the fire.

Beloved, no sin of a believer can now be an arrow bringing death, no condemnation can now be a sword to kill him, for the punishment of our sin was borne by Christ, and a full atonement was made for all our iniquities by our blessed Substitute and Surety. Who now accuses? Who now condemns? Christ has died, yes, has risen again. Jesus has removed the weapons of hell, has quenched every fiery dart, and has broken the head off every arrow of wrath; the ground is covered with the splinters and relics of the weapons of hell’s warfare, which are only visible to us to remind us of our former danger and of our great deliverance.

Sin no longer has dominion over us. Jesus has made an end of it and put it away forever. Our enemy’s destructions have come to a perpetual end. Declare all the wonderful works of the Lord, all you who make mention of His name; do not be silent, neither by day, nor when the sun goes down. Bless the Lord, O my soul.