Weekly Wellness Devotional: Hummingbirds Drink Nectar for Strength. What is Your Source? Samuel 17:1-51

Hummingbirds Require Nectar

Hummingbirds live on nectar from flowers and the sugars that are found in specialty feeders.  I have two plants out back that have attracted Ruby Throated Hummingbirds for the past five years.  One is an Autumn Sage.  The other is a Black and Blue plant – which is what the hummingbird in this video is feeding on.  The last few days, these tiny birds have been visiting these flowers frequently as they stock up on the needed fuel they will need for their migration South.

These little birds are amazing. Their average weight is 1/8 ounce.  Their wings beat between 40 and 80 beats/second. They breathe approximately 250 times per minute .  Their heart rate is an unbelievable 250 beats/min at rest and 1200 beats/min while feeding. Finally, in flight they reach up to 63 miles/hour.  Most researchers seem to accept the fact that those who migrate to the Caribbean Islands and Mexico cross the Gulf and Atlantic Ocean waters during a non-stop flight taking 18-20 hours. No wonder they require a lot of food for energy and strength!

People Need God

I imagine most of you know the story of David and Goliath. When David came face to face with the giant, he relied on God’s presence for strength.  Read 1 Samuel 17:1-51.  David was clearly aware that God was with him. and that the battle was not his, but God’s.(verse 45)

During David’s battle, he focused on God’s presence, not his circumstance or problem. David’s knowledge of God’s presence prevented him from becoming discouraged or giving up.

If you focus on life’s challenges and your opposition in the battles you face, you are likely to lose hope and give up. When you stay in God’s presence and  keep the focus on him, he will give you optimism and the strength you need.

Remember, with God, all things are possible.  Matthew 19:26

Questions for Reflection

When you need extra strength to make it through a tough or challenging time or when you are facing “giants” in your life, where do you turn?  What is your source of strength?

Resources on Strength

Bible Verses and Scripture on Strength & Wellness

More Blog Posts on Strength

3 Minute Presentation on How Faith in God Can Help During Stress

God Wants to Be Your Strength – Does He Have Your Heart?

Does God Have Your Heart?

Are you searching or looking for strength?  Well, God is looking for people who desire the kind of strength that only he can give, but there’s a catch.  He’s looking to strengthen those who’s hearts are really committed to him.

“The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” 2 Chronicles 16:9

In the few verses before this, we are told that if we put our trust in people instead of God, that we will not have the full favor of God.  King Asa put his trust in the king of Aram instead of God and so he missed the chance to destroy his opposing army. But, in an eralier time, when Asa relied on the Lord, God handed over the vast armies of Ethiopia and Libya to him and they were defeated.  We see that, in the later case, God strengthened Asa because his “heart” was fully turned to God.

When times get really difficult and we need extra strength, God wants to come to our aid…. and he will if our heart is committed to him.  When our hearts are turned to other “idols” then we forfeit the favor that could be ours if we had turned to God. (See Jonah 2:8)

God wants to reward you with the strength you need for your life circumstance, and he promises that he will, if your heart is fully committed to him.

Questions to Reflect On:

Has your heart and mind been turned to other sources of strength instead of towards God?  If so, confess this to him, tell  him you’re sorry, and turn more earnestly to God.

How can you demonstrate to God that your heart is fully committed to him?

More Resources on Strength

Blog Post – Find Strength in God When Stressed

Blog Post – God Gives Strength

Web Page – Bible Verses on Stress, Strength, Health and Healing