The Italian Memorandum

“And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed”

(Mark 1:35, KJV)

We sometimes look upon the whole monastic movement of historic Christianity as an aberrant form of the faith, and in many respects this is accurate (see 1 Tim. 4:1-8).  However, there is something spiritually profound about spending personal time alone with God with disciplined regularity (see Matt. 6:6).   The Lord gives spiritual strength to the spiritually seeking.  David said, “Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!” (1 Chron. 16:11).

It is this strength through solitude that Jesus models for us:

1.                   Matt. 4:1-11      When preparing for public ministry

2.                   Matt. 14:13       Upon news of the death of John

3.                   Matt. 14:23       When pressed by the crowds

4.                   Lk. 6:12-13       Before choosing the twelve

5.                   Jn. 6:14-15        When confronted with others’ agenda

Psalm 46:10 still remains significant:

“Be still and know that I am God”

Be still and know

Be still

Be

-Robert M. Housby

“Happy are those whose strength is in you”

(Psalm 84:5, NRSV)

The concept of “strength” is not only vital in the natural sense; it is vital in the spiritual sense to God’s people. The English Bible often translates “God” from the Hebrew word, “Elohim”. This word carries the idea of strength. It is also a plural (with the “im” ending). This use of the term Elohim is known as a “plural of majesty”, or “honorific plural”. It certainly is not strange why the Psalmist endorses God as the source of strength and blessing of his people (Psalm 84:5).

Psalm 84 expresses four key concepts about such strength:

1. Such strength shows itself in joyful confidence (84: 1-4).

2. Such strength is meant for life’s spiritual journey (84: 5-7).

3. Such strength is connected to prayer (84: 8-9).

4. Such strength is based on trust in God (84: 10-12).

Have you located the source of your strength today (Ephesians 3: 14-21)?

– Robert M. Housby