The Strength of My Soul

Recently, I had the privilege of visiting my daughter’s church and hearing their Praise Group sing the song, “Your Love Defends Me” by Matt Maher.

I left that church with the lyrics going over and over in my mind. The Gospel set to music gets down deep in the soul.

Even though you won’t have the benefit of the beautiful tune, I would like to share some of the words with you. They are so meaningful and uplifting:

“You are my joy, You are my song. You are the well, the One I’m drawing from.

You are my refuge, my whole life long, where else would I go?

Surely my God is the strength of my soul. Your love defends me.

And when I feel like I’m all alone, Your love defends me.

Day after day, night after night, I will remember, You’re with me in this fight.

Although the battle, it rages on, the war is already won!

Surely my God is the strength of my soul. Your love defends me.

We sing Hallelujah, You’re my portion, my Salvation. Hallelujah”

Matt Maher had Psalm 91 and other scripture in mind when he wrote this song. Psalm 91:2 reads:

“I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust….”

There are times when we long for God. We all go through times in our lives when we seem to have lost our joy and our well has gone dry. Sometimes we need a safe place, a refuge to which we can go .

There are times when we just feel alone. There are also many battles to be fought but Scripture tells us God has already won the war! God is our source of strength.

It is so assuring and uplifting to remember that God is the strength of our soul and we are safely wrapped in His loving care! The beautiful Scripture based words of this song spoke to my heart. I pray they speak to your heart, too!

Jan Knicely, Associate in Ministry emeritus

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church