Where Does Your Strength Come From?
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
Philippians 4:13
2021 has started out unusual for our family. I feel out of sorts. My mind is not clear, I feel like I can’t get caught up, my work load is piling up, I’m having writer’s block, laundry is up to my ears, our new puppy is a huge distraction, and I’m soooo tired of Covid-19! Is anybody with me? I feel like my body and mind are mush after the last year we’ve all had. How can I get through this? Where can I find the strength to fight through this phase of fog?
I started thinking about our strength. Our bodies are far stronger than we think. So much of where our strength comes from is in our heads. If we can get past the negative thoughts in our heads, we can find strength we never imagined. Our enemy, Satan, wants our minds to stay negative, foggy, and distracted so that we are not able to do the work God has called us to. But, the Bible is very clear as to where our strength comes from. 2 Chronicles tells us “the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” I had to just sit on those words a bit. Picture that for a minute. The eyes of God are looking for ways to strengthen us. His eyes gaze over His people, searching for hearts that are committed to Him so that He can give them the strength to continue on. I’m in awe of that profound statement.
If God is wanting and willing to search for ways to strengthen me, then why am I wasting so much of my time trying to find ways to strengthen myself? All I have to do is keep my heart committed to Him and He will find ways to give me strength. Instead of resting in Him and getting my heart focused back on Him when I feel overwhelmed, I fight through life trying to find the perfect way to get myself refocused on the world. I buy a new planner, I add outdoor walks and yoga to my day thinking it will clear my head, and I make to do lists so I can see tasks marked off. All those things are great and in my perfectionism world they help me get by, but they are not the things that renew my strength. Only God can renew my strength.
So, when we get off focus, how can recommit our hearts to Him?
Prayer! Ask God to give you what you need. Be very specific with your request. Yes, He already knows what you need, but when we talk to Him and make our requests to Him, we are reminding ourselves that He is our friend and we trust Him. Being faithful in our prayers is necessary in our heart connection with God. Ask God for clear direction, rest, strength to persevere when life throws battles your way. “For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” Matthew 7:8
Get in the Word of God! God’s presence is always found in His Word. Isaiah 55:11 says, “So it is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” Scripture is one of God’s greatest tools to reach His people. We can find answers, encouragement, comfort, direction, guidance, and strength in God’s Word. “All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 If you don’t know where to start, the Psalms and Proverbs are great books to find wisdom and to worship our Lord. “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12
Quiet time! As I have said in the past, I like to stay busy. By 9:00a.m. I like to have 2 loads of laundry done, the kitchen cleaned, all the beds made, and my workout done. Where on that list was God? I am so task oriented that sometimes I think I don’t have time to sit and be with God. Wow, that does not sound like a heart that is committed to God. If our hearts are committed to God, that should be the first thing we do that day. Maybe you're not a morning person, maybe afternoons are better, or nighttime. Whatever time of day is best for you, commit that time to God. Make it a commitment to rest with God! “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1
I need to recommit my heart to God in 2021. I cannot do it on my own. I need God to give me strength that will enable me to push through another year. If you need that too, make a commitment with me. May we find the strength that only God can give as we fight the enemy that fills our head with lies, keep our families healthy and safe, continue to social distance, listen to the political news, and endure the mundane daily tasks. We can have strength as we do all things through Him and for His glory.
Digging Deeper:
Read 2 Samuel 22:33, Exodus 15:2, Deuteronomy 6:5
Where does God need to strengthen you?
What verse in today’s reading helped you the most?
How do you need to recommit your heart to God?