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Psalm 138:3 - And He Touched Me.

Psalm 138:3 (NIV) When I called, you 
answered me; you made me bold and stouthearted.  

COMMENTARY PEARLS

   As an amateur green thumb, I'm reading 
about tough plants for tough places. Plants are 
like people. Some are happier in warmer climates. 
Some can go longer than others without a drink of 
water. Some thrive in sunlight; whereas others 
sunburn easily, requiring shade. And some enjoy a 
robust four-season climate, gladly withstanding 
snow and freezing temperatures. 
   Tough plants can endure adverse garden 
conditions, such as drought, shade, heavy clay soil, or 
dry rocky soil. Likewise, tough people can 
endure adversity and hardship yet persevere and 
still thrive. Spiritually, I want to be like a 
"tough plant for tough places" - able to endure 
adversity and still bloom and thrive - despite tough 
situations in life. 
   But I'll need help. God, the master 
gardener, creates both plants and people, giving each 
unique attributes and characteristics. Deep-rooted 
spiritual strength, stability, security, and 
resilience come from Jesus - from abiding in Him by 
staying planted in His Word. [Prayer, Service, 
Sharing and Worship are equally important]. 
   Psalm 138:3 confirms that Jesus will make 
me strong and brave if I call out to Him. So, 
rather than wonder if I'm the right type of 
"toughness," I'm asking Jesus to make me spiritually 
tough - so I can survive and thrive - despite 
whatever adverse conditions I may face in the garden 
of life. Cassandra Tiersma 
   Faith Step: Spiritually, are you a tender 
annual, hardy perennial, or a tough person for a 
tough place? As a reminder that it's Jesus who 
gives strength and courage, visit a local plant 
nursery to find a tough plant for a tough place 
(i.e., drought tolerant, not fussy about soil type) 
for your home or garden. Ask Jesus to make you 
strong and brave for the tough situations in life. 
[Mornings With Jesus 2022 Devotional by Guideposts and 
Zondervan] 

Remember that prayer is the source of your 
strength. A worker cannot gain success while he 
hurries through his prayers and rushes away to look 
after something that he fears may be neglected or 
forgotten. He gives only a few hurried thoughts to God; 
he does not take time to think, to pray, to 
wait upon the Lord for a renewal of physical and 
spiritual strength. He soon becomes weary. He does not 
feel the uplifting, inspiring influence of God's 
Spirit. He is not quickened by fresh life. His jaded 
frame and tired brain are not soothed by personal 
contact with Christ.  [7T 243] 

LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY 

2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Life in Christ.

http://www.abible.com/devotions/2020/20200531-0902.html 

Jeremiah 18:6 - God Is The Potter; We Are 
The Clay. 

http://www.abible.com/devotions/2005/20050627-1037.html 

YOUR COMMENTS

If anyone has a paraphrase, commentary or 
testimony on this passage of Scripture, either 
personal or otherwise, I would be interested in 
hearing from you.  Thanks in advance and let's keep 
uplifting Jesus that all might be drawn to Him. Fred 
Gibbs  

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

https://abible.com/links/