“Blessed be Adonai, the God of our fathers…who has extended lovingkindness to me before the king and his counselors and all the king’s mighty princes. I gained strength, as the hand of Adonai my God was upon me, and I gathered leading men from Israel to go up with me.”

‭‭Ezra‬ ‭7:27-28‬ ‭TLV‬‬

Ezra knew what it was like to be discouraged. He experienced isolation and rejection. Yet, he when G-d spoke to him, he was encouraged and his strength was restored. 

The same Hebrew word used for “strength” above – ḥāzaq- is also used in Daniel 10:19:

“Then again, the one having the likeness of a man touched me and strengthened me. And he said, “O man greatly beloved, fear not! Peace be to you; be strong, yes, be strong!” So when he spoke to me I was strengthened, and said, “Let my Lord speak, for you have strengthened me.””

‭‭Daniel‬ ‭10:18-19‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

True strength comes only from G-d, and true peace comes only from His presence. 

I’m grateful that He shows Himself strong in my weakness and that He always shows up when I need Him. He has extended kindness to me over and over. May I gain strength once again in Him. 

Father – thank You for Your Word and Your mercy. You are good and You keep doing good. Your leadership in my life is perfect and You can be trusted. Amen. 

Daily Reading: Ezra 7-10

September 25, 2022