The Strength That Stands

Monday, May 19




Psalm 92:10-14 (NIV)

“But my horn shalt thou exalt like the horn of an unicorn: I shall be anointed with fresh oil. Mine eye also shall see my desire on mine enemies, and mine ears shall hear my desire of the wicked that rise up against me. The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing;”

Devotion

You will walk in power. But the question is, whose power? There is a strength that flows from heaven, anointed, set apart, surrendered. And there is a strength that rises from the flesh, loud, demanding, destructive. Both wear crowns. But only one leads to life.

The horn in Scripture speaks of strength, influence, power. And in the world’s hands, that horn turns sharp, driven by pride, hunger, self-glory. But in God’s hands, that horn is an altar, anointed with His finest oil, not the counterfeit oil of fame, striving, or the lust of the eyes.

You don’t need to fight for a spotlight when you’re lit by His Spirit. You don’t need to chase influence when you’re under His anointing. Just look at Samson, gifted, chosen, powerful (Judges 13-16). But when he relied on himself, when he traded consecration for compromise, his strength became a snare. God gives gifts without repentance (Romans 11:29), but He calls us to govern them with holiness.

There will always be the temptation to lean on your own strength. But the flesh will lead you to chains. And the Spirit will lead you to freedom. “So how does a young man stay pure? By obeying Your Word” (Psalm 119:9). By staying low. By staying yielded. By staying filled with the oil that only comes from abiding.

Let your horn be anointed with heaven’s oil, not man’s approval. Let your strength be the kind that doesn’t burn out, but burns bright for the glory of God alone. Because He is the horn of your salvation, and that’s the only strength worth standing on.
    
Today’s Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,
I don’t want to chase strength that fades or power that corrupts. I want Your strength that’s set apart, anointed, and pure. Anoint my life with Your finest oil, not the striving of my flesh. Teach me to govern the gifts You’ve given me with humility and obedience. Keep me close to Your Word, steady in Your Spirit, and anchored in the truth that You are the horn of my salvation. May my strength always point back to You. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Apply It Today

Pastor Franklin described the use of the horn in the Bible, symbolizing strength, filled with oil, symbolizing the Holy Spirit. That oil is available to those who belong to Jesus, to refresh strength and vision no matter your age or station in life. Jesus also likened that oil to fuel for a lamp that others will see (Matthew 5:15-16). Spend regular time reading God’s word, in prayer, and in worship, being in the presence of God and getting your oil lamp refilled. This is not only for benefit in the present but it is also an important part of being prepared for Jesus’ return. (Matthew 25:1-13)

Resources

  • If you missed yesterday’s message by Pastor Jentezen Franklin titled, “Strength Over Struggle”, here’s an opportunity for you to watch and be encouraged in your walk with the Lord. 
  • Reflect on this question as you begin the week: How can I keep my spiritual lamp filled with oil?