Daily Journal: 21 October

What Kind of Strength Does God Give?

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

The Psalmist was questioning the goodness of God in this chapter, when the wicked flourish. They get their portion in their riches and they don't care how they treat others; in fact they seem empowered by mistreating others and find strength in their power over others. But the psalmist says one word that changes why He ended up finding his portion in the Lord even though he felt his heart and flesh may fail. "Forever".

The wicked can only get their portion now, but there is a 'forever' that we have the privilege of owning. God will give each their justice.

The psalmist goes on to say in verse 17, “til I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny....” verse 28, “it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge" (NIV).

God gives us strength through His nearness

We find the same outlook with Paul’s writings.

Philippians 4:13 (NLT)

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

This doesn’t refer to having superhuman power to physically do anything we want. A different translation offers this clarity.

Philippians 4:13 (GNT)

I have the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ gives me.

In the preceding verse 12 (CEV), Paul says:

I know what it is to be poor or to have plenty, and I have lived under all kinds of conditions. I know what it means to be full or to be hungry, to have too much or too little.

Paul found his strength in leaning on God; trusting in Him and waiting on Him, despite any circumstance he faced. That shows God's constant presence. Paul's contentment in God alone caused him to remain constant through everything, good or bad.

The Israelites’ joy came from understanding the Law that was being read and explained to them, which strengthened them.

Nehemiah 8:10b (ESV)

"Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength."

When we feel weary and call out to the Lord He increases our capacity to endure.

Isaiah 40:29,31 (NCV)

He gives strength to those who are tired and more power to those who are weak. But the people who trust the Lord will become strong again.

In this chapter of Isaiah, the kind of strength God gives is through understanding who God is.

God gives us strength through understanding His righteousness

Isaiah 41:10 (NASB)

Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will also help you, I will also uphold you with My righteous right hand.’

We see God’s power and sovereignty and how He demonstrates His ability and willingness to help us, knowing our weaknesses, seeing our limitations, and bringing reassurance that we are not unseen. We are not alone or forsaken in this life. He is always there.

Exodus 15:2 (NASB)

The Lord is my strength and 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.

God gives us strength through praising Him

We are strengthened through raising our voice and acknowledging who He is. We are strengthened when we become thankful that we are in relationship with Him.

1 Chronicles 16:11-12 (GWT)

Search for the Lord and his strength. Always seek his presence. Remember the miracles he performed, the amazing things he did and the judgments he pronounced

Ephesians 6:10 (GWT)

Finally, receive your power from the Lord and from his mighty strength.

God gives us strength by His own power

Like the Psalmist saw, the wicked may flourish for a time, but God is eternal, and in the end the righteous will be vindicated. We may, at times, feel forsaken but God's nearness is our power through all situations. He is our sufficiency at all times. There is a strength that comes as we draw on the knowledge of God and worship Him.

What kind of strength does God give you?

Lord, help us to find our hope and contentment in you, not in our expectations of what we think you should do, or the outcome of our experiences. In the end, whether in this life or in the finality of the next, we know you rule and reign, and no matter what, we belong to you.