The other day I was talking to a man at Samaritan — the health sharing plan that I am a part of. At the end of our conversation, he asked if he could pray for me for healing and strength and of course, I agreed. In his prayer he said a word that stuck out to me and I have been thinking about it for the past few days. He said the word fortify.
Fortify defined is: to strengthen or secure; to give physical strength, courage; to add mental or moral strength; to enhance or enrich by adding something.
As a new year begins, I often find a word or phrase that speaks to me and I carry that through the year. The past nearly two years have been fraught with a global pandemic and all the ensuing drama surrounding that. We have become an us vs. them country, divided down the middle by vaccines, masks, political rhetoric and media frenzy, by falsehoods, science, religion, opinions and all the rest.
2022 is a fresh year, a clean slate. And to be honest, I long to echo some of the words of St. Paul in his second letter to the Corinthians when he says, “We have this great light in our hearts — evidence of the Divine working and moving in us. Though we are pressed on every side by troubles; we aren’t crushed. Sometimes we are confused and perplexed, but we will not choose to live in despair. We get knocked down but we get up again and keep going. We don’t give up. Our bodies might feel weak, but our inner person is renewed every day. To be honest, most of our trials and troubles are generally small and don’t last long — momentary light afflictions — yet they produce in us a glory and an understanding that vastly outweighs those moments and live on through the arc of eternity.”
Which brings me to FORTIFY. Because it is what I need for me. I need to be strengthened — physically, mentally, morally, and with courage. I need to be filled with things that enhance and enrich my life with encouragement and hope. I am guessing that most of us probably feel the same way. Because life can be draining. Talking about all we talk about day in and day out can exhaust us. Dealing with a new normal, realizing loss — of the way things were, of loved ones and dear friends, of stamina, strength, mental acuity, or even your senses — this can cause discouragement, depression, anger, hopelessness, bitterness and even loss of faith.
I have to practice gratefulness daily, because when I look at that last sentence, it’s overwhelming. But every day, I walk in blessing. This is fortifying. You know? In so many ways. Even days I don’t feel well [which is often], I still going outside and breath fresh air. I drive a car and live in a warm home with sturdy shoes and a good coat. I don’t worry about my next meal, and enjoy luxuries like Starbucks and an iPhone. I have wonderful people that I work with and amazing friends and family. Truly, I am grateful. And I have to keep that perspective when the permacloud of sadness or gloom is hanging low so as not to let it steal my joy.
The writer of a book of lament in the scriptures, says in 3:23-24, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases and mercy never ends, but it is new every morning. Great is your faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, in whom my hope lies.” The writer has been going through some tough times, which resonates with most of us as humans. Yet here we have this passage, in the midst of his despair, which is a shift from hopelessness to faith and simple trust. The Lord is my strength and my portion. I dont need anything else. Simple words. Powerful faith. This is what it means to be fortified.
Every day, mercy is new. That’s a great encouragement.
So, to sum it all up, the writer of Hebrews puts it so well: “Take a new grip with your tired hands, and stand firm on your shaky legs. Mark out a straight, smooth path for your feet so that those who follow you, even though they might be weak and lame, will not fall and get hurt, but will become strong” (12:12-13). What a beautiful picture! We become strengthened and fortified so that in turn we can be strength, hope and light — a way maker to those following behind us. That’s a good word for 2022.
really enjoyed this post. I’ve definitely been caught in depression these past couple of years. as you mentioned it’s easy to be dwelling on how things were and there’s a lot of heartache there.
there is that permacloud you pointed out. it’s certainly been dark recently. but I too have to hope there is more, even in these times. It’s admirable that you take note of things to be thankful for. that you’re really trying to abide in the fullness of life instead of the empty.
but I think seeing and hearing all of the terrible things that we have has rightly taken a toll on us. we have to experience these things, it’s part of the human experience. but we don’t have to do it alone
you’re one of those good friends who’s kept me from doing it alone. I hope that one day I can let the clouds just roll on by, and accept the present without deep regret and shame. look forward to the future in peace and have a more optimistic view of life. to really believe in God being who He says He is again, in a fuller sense even. each bit of hope in adversity builds me back toward that. glad I have you to encourage me always. thanks for the writing
I needed to read this tonight Josh. All weekend I’ve been dwelling on what was and what it will be in the future. I need strength.
Susan, Zach, glad these words were encouraging and helpful. Praying blessing and hope over you tonight.
Josh – Your words are so beautifully joined creating such a powerful message. Thank you. May I share your word? I too would like to claim Fortify as my affirmation for this year. Keep writing Josh. Your words are appreciated!