In the midst of life’s challenges and uncertainties, finding strength can often feel like an elusive pursuit. We search for solace and protection, yearning for a source of unwavering support.
God is the source of our strength if we belong to Him by His grace through faith in Christ. To begin a relationship with God, visit my blog post Finding Peace with God.
Key benefits for finding strength in God
Finding strength in God is important for several reasons. Here are a couple of examples that illustrate this point:
Sustaining us in difficult times
Life can present us with various challenges, such as loss, adversity, or uncertainty. When we find strength in God, we tap into an unchanging and reliable source of support. This enables us to endure and navigate through challenging seasons.
For example, consider a person who has lost a loved one. By finding strength in God, they can experience comfort, peace, and hope that surpasses human understanding. They are able to find solace in God’s presence and receive the strength needed to face their grief and move forward with renewed resilience.
Empowering us to live with purpose and impact
When we rely on our own strength alone, we can easily become overwhelmed, limited, or discouraged. However, finding strength in God equips us to live with purpose and make a positive difference in the world.
For instance, imagine someone who feels called to engage in a challenging mission, such as advocating for justice or serving the marginalized. By finding strength in God, they are empowered to overcome obstacles, persevere in their pursuits, and make a lasting impact. They draw on God’s strength, guidance, and wisdom to fulfill their purpose in ways they could not achieve on their own.
Fortunately, the Scriptures provide us with powerful verses that remind us of God’s strength and His role as our ultimate refuge. In Psalm 46:1-3 and Isaiah 40:28-31, we discover truth that resonates deeply within our souls, offering hope and assurance in times of trouble.
Psalm 46:1-3:
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.”
In these verses, we are reminded that God is our refuge—a safe haven, a fortress of protection. He is our strength, unwavering and limitless. Even in the face of chaos and destruction, we need not fear, for His presence is constant. The imagery of the earth giving way, the mountains crumbling, and the raging waters serves to emphasize the magnitude of the challenges we may encounter.
Isaiah 40:28-31:
“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but 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.”
These verses remind us of the incomparable power and unwavering endurance of our God. He is the everlasting God, the Creator of all things. His strength is not limited, and He is not bound by fatigue or weariness. In our moments of weakness and exhaustion, He provides strength and power beyond our comprehension. When we put our hope in the Lord, He renews our strength, allowing us to rise above the challenges we face.
Relevance to Our Lives Today:
The challenges we face in our lives today can be overwhelming—personal struggles, global crises, and the weight of everyday responsibilities can leave us feeling helpless. However, these passages remind us that God’s strength and protection are available to us, no matter the circumstances. They assure us that we need not fear, for He is with us, providing refuge and unwavering support.
God being our refuge and strength means that we can find comfort and security in Him. He is a shelter in the storms of life, offering protection from harm and solace in times of distress. We can turn to Him for guidance, knowing that He will never abandon us. His strength sustains us when our own strength fails.
To wait on the Lord and renew our strength means to trust in His timing and rely on His provision. It requires patience and a surrendering of our own desires and plans. As we place our hope in Him, He replenishes our energy and empowers us to face the challenges ahead. It is through this waiting and trusting that we experience renewal and restoration.
Practical Application in Our Daily Lives:
Seek His Presence:
Take time each day to cultivate a deep and intimate relationship with God. Through prayer, meditation, and studying His Word, we can experience His presence and draw strength from Him. Prioritize moments of stillness and reflection to connect with God and find solace in His presence. Psalm 16:11 says, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
In God’s presence, joy is found; in His strength, we are bound.
Surrender Control:
Recognize that we are limited in our own strength and abilities. Surrender control to God and trust in His sovereignty. Release your worries and burdens to Him, knowing that He is in control and will work all things for your good. Letting go of our need for control allows God to work mightily in our lives.
Through prayer, we can communicate with God and find strength in Him. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Pray in all things, let your requests take flight, find peace in God’s presence, both day and night.
Embrace Faith:
Faith is the bedrock of our relationship with God. Choose to trust in His promises, even when circumstances seem bleak. Remember that He is faithful and His strength is made perfect in our weakness. Step out in faith, knowing that He will provide and sustain us through every trial and challenge. Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding” – Proverbs 3:5
Wait on the Lord:
Waiting on the Lord does not mean idly sitting by, but rather actively seeking Him while patiently anticipating His timing and guidance. As we wait on Him, we can find renewed strength and a fresh perspective. Embrace the process of waiting, knowing that God is at work in the waiting, molding and shaping us for His purposes.
God is our refuge, our strength, and might; in times of trouble, He is our guiding light.
Find Community:
Surround yourself with fellow believers who can encourage and uplift you in your journey. Engage in a supportive community where you can share your challenges and victories, and find strength in collective prayer and support. Together, we can remind one another of God’s gracious promises and walk alongside each other in faith.
Care for one another (1 Corinthians 12:25)
God’s grace is sufficient to sustain us in our weaknesses and challenges. In 2 Corinthians 12:9, the Apostle Paul writes, “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.'”
When we stumble, His grace is there, His strength is sufficient, our burdens He’ll bear.
Trusting God is an anchor for our soul
In a world filled with uncertainty and challenges, finding strength in God becomes an anchor for our souls. Through the powerful verses of Psalm 46:1-3 and Isaiah 40:28-31, we are reminded of God’s unwavering strength, His role as our refuge, and His promise to renew our strength. By embracing these truths and applying them practically in our daily lives, we can find solace, courage, and endurance. As we seek God’s presence, surrender control, embrace faith, wait on Him, and find support in community, we discover a wellspring of strength that transcends our human limitations. May we continually turn to God, finding refuge and renewal, and experiencing the abundant life He has promised us.
