Instead of removing this thorn, God told him, “My power is made perfect in weakness.” Paul had a weakness or physical difficulty that he called “a thorn in my flesh.” Whatever this disability was, he prayed regularly for God to take it away, but still it remained. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. My strength is perfect in weakness: 2 Corinthians 12:9–10īut he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. And despite their regular unfaithfulness to God, still he called, strengthened, and upheld them. They were often under duress from foreign cultures who would love to see them wiped out. Here God speaks to Israel, the nation he has created, cared for, and loved. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. I have chosen you and have not rejected you. Strengthened and upheld by God’s hand: Isaiah 41:9–10 God is a source for unlimited renewal and all we have to do is wait on him. This passage from Isaiah 40 is an incredible encouragement.
It doesn’t matter who you are or where you’re at in life. We will run and not grow weary: Isaiah 40:29–31Īt some point, everyone gets physically and emotionally exhausted. On the other hand, God’s name-the very essence of who he is-is a fortified tower where we can find the security we long for. But when we put our hope in those things, we find ourselves on shifting sand. We trust in our riches, close relationships, and strong rulers to protect us. We tend to look in the same places for security that our forefathers did. The name of the Lord is a fortified tower The Lord is our strong tower: Proverbs 18:10 In the midst of this Psalm, the psalmist speaks of his weariness and sorrow. It reminds us to trust in God’s Word, which will make us wise and righteous, and prepares us for good works. Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the entire Bible. Strengthen me according to your word: Psalm 119:28 Here the psalmist wants to remind us that he is our “ever-present help in trouble.” We look to the past to remember what’s been done in order to remind ourselves that God is at work today, and we can trust him-even if the mountains fall into the sea. Often the Hebrews found their stamina and hope in remembering God’s powerful acts. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give wayĪnd the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,Īnd the mountains quake with their surging. God is our refuge and strength: Psalm 46:1–3 It’s their confidence in God’s goodness that sets them apart and makes them a robust people. Here Nehemiah tells them that this is a celebration, and in one of Scripture’s more well-known lines, lets them know that the joy of the Lord is their strength. These people, hungry to hear God’s Word and rediscover their heritage, listen to Ezra read from dawn until noon. In the eighth chapter of Nehemiah, they’re gathered together, and Ezra reads to them from God’s Law. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared.
The joy of the Lord is your strength: Nehemiah 8:10 As we look for our security in him, we are lifted up and protected by our champion defender. As we’ll see in many of these passages, our strength is found in God’s might.
This song of praise celebrates that rescue, and ultimately the fact that God is our deliverer. When Pharaoh changed his mind and sent his army off in pursuit of the fleeing Hebrews, God gave them passage through the Red Sea, and then closed the sea around the Egyptian army, completely destroying it. In a profound display of his power, God secured their release with 10 dramatic plagues. Then Moses and the Israelites sang this song to the Lord:įor over 400 years, the Israelites were enslaved in Egypt. God is my strength and defense: Exodus 15:1–4 Here are ten powerful passages that can give you strength when you need it most. When life gets rough, God’s Word lifts us up and gives us stamina and courage to carry on. It has restored hope for many during their most trying circumstances, and continues to be a source of encouragement and support today. For thousands of years, people have drawn inspiration from the Bible.
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