Last time, we discovered trusting in God’s mighty power to protect us helps us overcome our fears. If you missed it, you can read it here. Here, we’re discovering when we feel weak, drained, distressed and overwhelmed, God gives strength to those who trust in him.
Weakness comes in many forms—from our circumstances that cause us to feel frail and afraid, from our abilities or lack of them, from being unable to resist that which is not good for us.
The Bible has a lot to say about finding strength, particularly God’s strength which is a quality of his power.
Isaiah 40 in particular is a good example of the contrast between human strength and God’s strength. People it says, are like grass that dries up, flowers that fade. Human beings look like small insects in comparison to God’s might and power. Whole nations are like a drop of water.
Before we fear God’s mighty strength means “God has lost track of me. He doesn’t care what happens to me”, Isaiah 40 also tells us God is tender and compassionate in his strength and power. He is like a shepherd who tenderly carries his lambs and leads his sheep to safe pastures.
And when we’re wondering where God is as we lose strength in our struggles, we also read: “He will not grow tired or weary.” “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
David was physically and emotionally drained. He and his men had arrived back home to find the enemy, the Amalekites, had raided the area, tearing it to pieces, burning everything to the ground, and had captured all the women and children.
The story says: David and his men burst out in loud wails—wept and wept until they were exhausted with weeping.” On top of everything, David’s men were so bitter about the loss of their families that they considered killing David (1 Samuel 30:1-6).
In the middle of this story of David’s distress, one important sentence stands out. It tells us how David dealt with losing everything, having no victory or emotional strength.
“David strengthened himself with trust in his God” (1 Samuel 30:6).
Strength came to David because he went to the source of power and strength. He went to God Almighty and he prayed (1 Samuel 30:8).
David knew that God was armed with strength. He knew God would give him protection.
He knew God gave victory to those that trusted him. And he knew that God would show his unfailing kindness to those who came to him for mercy.
We too can strengthen ourselves through our trust in God. Use this prayer to help you:
In addition, you might like to read Psalm 31.
Pray
Almighty God, I’m grateful you are strong but also tender and compassionate. I’m feeling so weary and weak. In your strength, strengthen me because I put my trust in you. I come to you because you are the source of power and courage. Replace my weariness with hope and I will praise your name. Amen.
But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles.
Isaiah 40:31 NLT