From Strength to Strength

There is an ongoing debate over whether or not 2016 was the worst year ever. Significant influencers have raised their voices including the Smithsonian Magazine, CNN.com, the New York Times and the Washington Post.

Let’s face it, this year many national and international incidents have resulted in a great deal of terror, loss, grief and dismay, yet another voice can be heard which presents an elevated, alternative Kingdom perspective. It is mandatory for Christians to use the word of God as a standard to judge other viewpoints. God's word, as a light to one's path, guides the believer’s posture and aids in establishing a firm foundation on the truths found in the scriptures. Psalm 84:4-7, though referencing the difficult and dangerous pilgrimage to Zion, highlights the joy of dwelling in God’s presence and states that those who dwell in His house and place their strength in Him go from strength to strength (Psalm 84:4,5, 7).

They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion. (Psa 84:7 NIV)

Strength in the Hebrew is חָ֑יִל (chayil) and is translated as power, strength, wealth, army, might, valor and more. It is an all inclusive term, rendering the possessor of such a force to be reckoned with. Interestingly enough, chayil is also translated as force. It is a military term, having most of its translations linked to war like host, troops, elite army and retinue. Among others, it is applied to King David, the warrior king (1 Samuel 16:18), his mighty men, King Saul, and the Proverbs 31 woman (verse 10). While noble, capable and excellent are translations of chayil, virtuous is not on the list of Hebrew translations for chayil. Hence, Proverbs 31:10 would more accurately be read as: “Who can find a woman of valor or warrior woman? Her value is far above rubies!”

​Chayil warriors may form a company, however, they are highly capable and self-sufficient like David, who single-handedly slew the giant Goliath, and Benaiah one of his mighty men, who slew two lionlike men, a lion in a snowy pit and an Egyptian giant all by himself (1 Chronicles 11:22, 23). Likewise, as individuals, we are often called upon as beacons of light and presented with opportunities to make a difference right where we are stationed, as modern day chayil agents representing the God of hope. God is our strength!

In the darkest of times, God’s people have a distinguishable hope! Worst is defined as the most corrupt, bad, evil or most unfavorable, difficult, unpleasant and painful. It is the highest degree of inferior quality. Isaiah gives us a glimpse of ‘worst’ when the distressed Israelites returned from exile and God's Light and Glory were proclaimed to those who bore His name. What a strain it must have been to align one’s natural, earthly perception, laced with despair, with an upward divine call to ARISE!

Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36), and I submit, that neither is the power that we have received. As we close 2016 and prepare for a year of new mercies, there is a Kingdom demand that Christians sing a different song. We must draw what we need from the Source, which consistently prompts promotion from strength to strength, until our divine missions are accomplished!

​Onward and upward!