This post about strength in God is an updated post that originally occurred in February, 2008. In light of current events in our country, I’m re-posting this in hope that the content might help you.
During such tumultuous times as we are in today in the United States – with the economy and the government shutdown – we are looking for strength and resolve. Life can be a challenge, but in times where our nation is in an upheaval, the stressors can be especially difficult to handle.
Maybe you don’t know how to apply the new Health Care law to your life. Perhaps you’ve made plans to visit a national park and now find that it’s closed for business. Maybe you’re a Baby Boomer and you’ve just entered into retirement. Could be that you’re making a major transition in your life.
Are you weak? Stressed? Battling depression? Do you need more energy to run this race of life that you’re in? Is your strength depleted? God can help. Fortunately, our Creator gives us many scriptures that relate to how we can have strength in God. A verse about strength that is very familiar to many people is below.
“He (God) gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak…. But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength“ Isaiah 40:28-31
That’s one of this weeks scripture about strength. What a reassuring message! Life can make us weary and challenging… it can deplete us from the strength we need to get out of bed and do the things we are required to do. Yes, we can work out by lifting weights and taking our fitness walk. Those activities can provide us a level of fitness that enable our bodies to function physically, yet we also need additional inner strength to be able to function well. Since our mind, body and spirit are interconnected, how we feel spiritually or emotionally can effect or physical energy level. That’s where God can help.
A meaningful and personal relationship with God can give us inner energy and strength that can sustain us. Engaging in spiritual exercises like prayer, reading the Bible and abiding in God’s presence can help us tap into special power that only God can provide. When we are alone with God… when we “wait” on him, we are able to receive his strength. When we believe and trust what we read in scripture and in how God works, our hope is bolstered. This strong belief and hope, grounded in scripture, can give us strength. It’s the same strength that the Psalmist writes about in Psalm 138:3 when he says “As soon as I pray, you answer me; you encourage me by giving me strength.”
There is another key biblical principle to consider regarding strength. In his writings, Paul reminds us how we can be strong when we are weak. This might seem like an oxymoron but because it’s biblical, it’s true. When we are dependent upon God, when we surrender to him, when we rely on him and ask Jesus to live his life through us, we’re actually living by his power and strength. You see, if we try to be strong in our own might, we don’t give God the opportunity to use his strength as he lives through us.
“That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:10
So, I’ll ask the questions again – Are you weak? Is your strength depleted? Do you need more energy and power to run your race? Curl up on a couch or your recliner or drop to your knees and spend some one-on-one time with God. open up your Bible and read some of the scriptures about on the lists I’ve provided below. Get to know Him better and see if He doesn’t bring you more inner strength.
Go have an awesome day!
Share the Gospel with those who are stressed and coping in unhealthy ways. See the box to the right.
Helpful Resources Related to Strength in God
A list of Scriptures on Strength From God
Read another post – “God’s Power Gives Strength”
Read another post – “Strength in God When Stressed”
I will lift up mine eyes to the hills from which cometh my help, my help cometh from the Lord. I have learned to lean on God at times when I need strength. When you lean on someone, you place all your weight on them. When you lean on someone, they bear the weights, the burdens. That’s what we have to do to God, lean on him and let him carry our weight. Then the stresses and problems are easy to bear
This was very uplifting to read for my sprit. My job has become very overwhelming the past few weeks because of an unannounced leave from our boss and our community has spread terrible things about this great family. Its hard to watch a persons family who has done such great things for a community be torn apart by hateful words. I know that my house is built upon a rock, but sometimes my sprit grows weak. Thank you for having this avaible.
I’m happy for you that your spirit was encouraged by this Crystal. As fellow believers in the body of Christ, we are called to lift one another up… and this is one way to do it.
As I am up late studying and I feel that I can no longer move forward I look for words of encouragement to aid in my education and Karen you have inspired me to move forward because this isn’t easy but I also will not give up until my battle is won!
Hello and God bless. I absolutely love this. may I ask If I can use your exact words? I have created a Martial art style that incorporates scripture and this bible study speaks the very heart of it. I want my students to use God’s Word and Prayer instead of “Chi” because God IS our internal energy. this explains it perfect 🙂
Hi Tony,
Sure, you may use this…. and if you do, please just credit the ministry as the source and a link to the original post. Blessings to you, Dale
Thanks Dale– I really enjoyed reading your page.
We are in the “all of the above” category, healthcare, govt worries, tax issues.
We’re looking for all the strength we can get.–ZG
God says – “I am the lord your God. There is not anything that is too difficult for me.” He is with me in all situations.
You can help someone because you have been in that situation. Throwing around Scriptures will be hard to understand to someone who is grieving, but you can comfort them because you have been through the same thing and through the pain you trusted in God.
God our Father is always there if u need to call home just speak and know that our Father is love n love is our Father. 1 corithians 13-4-8. (1 Christians Be-4-h8te )
R Lord is patient, r Lord is kind. He dose not envy, he does not boast he is not proud. He is NOT rude HE IS NOT SELF-SEEKING he is NOT EASILY ANGERED HE KEEPS NO RCORDS OF WRONGS. R LOAD DOSE NOT DEIGHT IN EVIL BUT REJOICES WITH TRUTH. HE ALWAYS protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perserveres. R Lord never fails true love is always the hardest path to walk. true love takes time an effort an growing together. Have each others backs even if one thinks the other is NUTS
I THAMK YOU Father r brother Jesus
and humanity Allmen
Alice! Thank you for this best scripture hit the right spot and the capitalizing brought it out as I was reading aloud 😍
Thank you for this writing. I especially needed this passage today following our turbulent political election and the uncertainty of our country in addition to health issues. I find strength in this passage.
I heard and read about the peace of God over the Year but it wasn’t until I was overtaken by that peace that I understood how awesome God is. I wasn’t even asking for it…i was getting back to work after sharing God’s experience with someone that that peace came such contrast I felt a load of weight pick up from my shoulders .it was incredible all I could say was thank you Jesus!
I have a dear dear friend who is dealing with breast cancer. This has been a time of of tears, fear, love, bonding, and even some laughter. Her husband has requested letters from friends to create a wall of hope and inspiration in a room of their home in which she can go and be uplifted and remember the love and support of all of us.
I am looking for a scripture or God’s words that explains how He does not keep us complacent but moves us and challenges us to grow us and mold us and move us forward to prepare us for a life with Him.
Can anyone share their thoughts to give me some words of inspiration for my personal letter to her?
Kelly, Thank you for sharing and asking this question. Our trials and tribulations give us an opportunity to grow closer to Him and to conform us to His Son, Jesus, in a greater way.
This link provides some relevant scriptures – http://biblereasons.com/reasons-for-trials/
I hope that others will share additional scriptures with you. ~ Dale
Nice post Dale,