706 The Spiritual Man
Moses, while Israel walked in the wilderness; and now, lo, I am
this day eight-five years old. I am still as strong to this day as I
was in the day that Moses sent me; my strength now is as my
strength was then, for war, and for going and coming. (Josh. 14.
9-11)To this one who followed the Lord wholeheartedly God became
his strength as He had promised, so that even after forty-five years he
did not diminish in vigor.
In reading the book of Judges we learn about the physical prowess
of Samson. Though Samson performed many immoral acts and
though the Holy Spirit may not impart such towering strength to
every believer, yet one point is sure: if we depend on the Holy Spirit
we shall find His power supplying all our daily needs.
From what David sang as recorded in his psalms, we can ascertain
that the power of God was in David’s body. Note the following
passages:
“I love thee, O Lord, my strength... the God who girded me with
strength and made my way safe. He made my feet like hinds’ feet,
and set me secure on the heights. He trains my hands for war, so
that my arms can bend a bow of bronze” (18.1,32-34)
“Jehovah is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (27.1
ASV)
“May the Lord give strength to his people!” (29.11)
“Summon thy might, O God; show thy strength, O God, thou who hast
wrought for us... the God of Israel, he gives power and strength
to his people” (68.28,35)
“Who satisfies you with good as long as you live so that your youth is
renewed like the eagle’s” (103.5)
Other psalms record also how God became strength to His Own
people, for example: “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the
strength of my heart and my portion for ever”; “Blessed are the men
whose strength is in thee”; and “With long life I will satisfy him, and
show him my salvation” (73. 26, 84.5, 91.16).