“My glory is fresh within me, And my bow is renewed in my hand” (Job 29:20 NKJ).
The bow represented the livelihood of ancient peoples. Not only was it used for military purposes, but also to obtain wild animals for food. In other words, early people lived by the bow.
For it to be renewed in the hand meant that the archer was getting stronger and stronger. This verse is thus an assurance that we can function in life and not be fatigued in our everyday activities. We can be refreshed as we go about doing God’s will.
Stringing the bow took a great deal of exertion and energy. When not in use, it would be left unstrung because it was discovered that the bow left strung up would lose its tensile strength and elasticity. We derive our word delente from this concept of a bow being unstrung. You can readily see that in primitive times stringing and unstringing the bow would be a time-consuming and strenuous exercise.
Job is telling us here that ordinarily he would be completely worn out when doing his normal work. Instead, God’s glory and honor refreshed him, and his bow was renewed or changed in his hand. As a result, he did not get weaker and weaker, but stronger and stronger.
Use your faith and you will get more faith. Use your strength for the Lord and He will give you more strength. Give joy to others and God will replace it with more joy. Impart courage and courage will be imparted to you. Give and it shall be given.
Getting stronger while exerting energy may seem a reversal of the natural order, but it is a spiritual truth from which we can all benefit.
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.