Our Strength

The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. Psalm 118:14

As I was approaching my 50th birthday, I started a health quest to be the healthiest and most fit I've ever been. I began to walk and run, ride my bike, and go to the gym regularly. One of my goals was to put on muscle and build strength. As a child and even into my early adult years, I was what many called skinny and scrawny. Over a 5-year period, I was successful. I built my strength, agility, and balance, all things important as we age. But it took time, intentionality, perseverance, and work. I was stronger at age 55 than ever before. 

When I think of strength and the Bible, the first person who comes to mind is the Israeli judge, Samson. The story of Samson’s legendary strength is found in Judges 13-16. His strength was a supernatural, divine gift from God linked to his Nazirite vow, which required that his hair remain uncut. Samson was not naturally muscular. His power came directly from God. Whenever the “Spirit of the Lord” rushed upon him, he performed superhuman feats to deliver Israel from the Philistines. Here are a few highlights of his strength. On this way to Timnah, Samson was attacked by a lion, but he tore it apart with his bare hands. After being captured and held by his enemies, he snapped the ropes and struck down 1,000 Philistines using the jawbone of a donkey. He tore the massive city gates and posts of Gaza from the ground and carried them on his shoulders. 

In Psalm 28:7, David refers to God as his strength. He wrote Psalm 28 during his son Absalom's rebellion, when Absalom attempted to take the throne from his own father. His rebellion ended in Absalom’s tragic death, a very difficult time for David. The name of God used here is Jehovah Uzzi, meaning the “Lord my Strength.” David did not rely on his own abilities during these unsettling times but trusted in and leaned on the Lord as his ultimate defense and source of courage. His strength came from placing his confidence and faith in God’s promises. 

Obviously, God hasn’t granted me supernatural strength like He did Samson, and He probably hasn’t you either, so what does it mean to have God as our strength? We do not have to carry our burdens or solve our problems on our own. God gives us the emotional and spiritual resilience needed during trials, uncertainty, and grief. And, He provides the confidence and courage we need to face any challenge. Sometimes God’s strength looks like courage to keep going. Other times it looks like peace in the middle of chaos. It may be patience during hardship. Perhaps it is endurance when we feel like giving up.

I have shared before about my mother and mother-in-law’s battle with Alzheimer’s. Between the two of them, this lasted for 10 years. The only way that I can explain how Danette and I faced each day and survived this period in our lives is through God’s strength and provision. Our weaknesses and inadequacies are not the end of the story. It is in our weakness that God's strength is made perfect, according to 2 Corinthians 12:9. 

Life often feels overwhelming, exhausting, and heavy, but we are not on our own. With God as our strength, we do not have to depend only on ourselves. We can lean on Him in every circumstance. In Isaiah 41:10, God says: Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with my righteous right hand.

Call to Action

In what area of your life are you feeling weak or overwhelmed?

What would it look like for you to trust God for the strength you need in this area? 

Print the words of Philippians 4:13 on a notecard or sticky note and place it where you can see and read it throughout the day. I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me.

Digging Deeper

Check out these verses on God’s strength: Exodus 15:2, Deuteronomy 31:6, 1 Chronicles 16:11, Nehemiah 8:10, Psalm 46:1, Psalm 73:26,  Isaiah 40:29, Philippians 4:13.

Prayer

God, thank You for being our strength when we feel weak, overwhelmed, and fearful. Remind us that we are not on our own. Help us to trust You, depend on You, and rest in Your power. Give us strength for today and courage for whatever lies ahead.

Copyright © 2026 Kyle Cravens