Daily Journal: 21 October

What Kind of Strength Does God Give?

When we read certain verses like Psalm 73:26 - "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever", what kind of strength does God give?

The Psalmist was questioning the goodness of God in this chapter, until verse 17 “til I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood....” Psalm 73:28 (NIV) “it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge”.

We find the same outlook with Paul’s writings.

Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

This doesn’t refer to suddenly getting superhuman strength to physically do all things. The preceding verses talk about how Paul has “learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” Paul found his strengthening in leaning on God; trusting in Him and waiting on Him. His contentment in God alone caused him to remain constant through everything, good or bad.

Nehemiah 8:10 - "Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength."

In this passage, the Israelites’ joy came from understanding the Law that was being read and explained to them. This strengthened them.

Isaiah 40:29,31 - He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak…. But they who wait [hope] for the Lord shall renew their strength

In this inspiring chapter of Isaiah, the kind of strength God gives is through understanding who God is. When we feel weary and call out to the Lord He increases our capacity to endure.

Isaiah 41:10 - Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

In this chapter we see God’s power and sovereignty and how He demonstrates His ability and willingness to help His people; knowing and seeing our weakness and bringing reassurance that we are not alone or forsaken; we are not unseen; He is there.

Exodus 15:2 - The Lord is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him.

We are strengthened through praise, through raising our voice and acknowledging who He is; being thankful we are in relationship with Him.

1 Chronicles 16:11,12 – Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always. Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles and the judgments he pronounced.

Ephesians 6:10 - Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might [in his mighty power].

The kind of strength God gives is through understanding who God is.

God is able to renew us and supply us with what we need in every situation as we look to Him. There is a strength that comes as we draw on the knowledge of God, and as we trust, and find our hope and contentment in Him.