Scripture for Today: Psalm 105:4 “Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always.”

We were recently at Cave Creek, Arizona, a real cowboy town near Scottsdale.  I couldn’t resist buying this over-sized magnet.  I love the message, that even a macho cowboy needs to bow in humility before the cross.

In the American wild west culture, bravery and strength are part of the cowboy mystic.  To be what is considered a “real man” one must never show weakness.  This is not a new idea.  Whether it be a Japanese samurai, a Nordic warrior or the resident killer of spiders, man is commended for his strength and bravery.

There are plenty of times when our own strength, male or female, does not suffice.  Doing things in our own strength is a daily temptation.  We like to feel self-sufficient and capable.  We might even succeed and feel pretty good about ourselves.  But there are other times we feel overwhelmed or fall flat on our face when in fact we did not need to.  The Lord’s strength is available if we would avail ourselves of it.

It seems to me that this cowboy is looking to the Lord for His strength, seeking His face.  To do that requires seeing the need and humbling oneself.  That does not make one weak.  In fact it takes courage to ask and bend the knee.

His strength is so much better than my puny efforts.  He is there today waiting for me to just come and ask.  He knows I am made of dust and He offers His strength in any and all situations.  There is no shame in admitting our weakness.  Thankfully, God does not require His children to be “macho!”  Oh, how I need His strength today!