Jesus is Our Strength in Hard Times

Jesus is our strength- always ready to fortify our weary souls. He wants to give us His strength whenever we need it. How can we learn to access and rely on this amazing attribute of Jesus?

How Strong is Jesus?

Jesus was most likely physically strong, as we know He was a carpenter and builder. He walked everywhere, going from town to town, so He got a lot of physical exercise.

Not only was He physically strong, but spiritually strong, beginning from a young age.

Luke 2:40–

“And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.”

Jesus, as a human boy, grew to become strong in spirit, which means we can too!

Meaning of Strength in the Bible

What is the word for strength in the Bible? It’s complicated! There are multiple words for strength in Scripture.

Besides physical strength, it mentions Christian strength as strength of character and of mind, inner strength, and being strong in the Lord, just to name a few.

One Biblical word for strength comes from the Greek word “endynamoo”, meaning to receive strength.

Paul uses it in this verse:

Ephesians 6:10-

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.”

The Apostle Paul reminds us we need to depend on the strength we receive from God to withstand the attacks of the enemy. Believers have access to the power of Jesus Christ as our source of strength.

Biblical Symbols of Strength

Can you name any symbols of strength in the Bible? It surprised me to find there are many, each having a distinctive meaning to help us grow stronger in our faith.

●One symbol is that of a lion found in both the Old and New Testament. Lions are not only strong and fearless, but a symbol of royalty and rulers.

The Apostle John describes seeing Jesus as a lion in Revelation:

Revelation 5:5–

“The Lion of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and the seven seals.”

Do you feel as brave and strong as a roaring lion? We can, with the strength of Jesus.

●Another common symbol is the rock, the unmovable, stable, and secure strength we can count on.

Psalm 62:6–

“He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.”

Trusting God to be your rock can change your entire outlook. With Jesus’ strength, we are unshakable.

●Another symbol is that of an eagle. When we are tired or weak, hope in Jesus will give us strength to soar like eagles.

Isaiah 40:31–

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

What is hope in the Lord? It’s expecting that the promises of God will help us get through the hard times. It’s a deep trust that He always fulfills His promises.

God Strengthens Me

The tough times in our life can leave us feeling weak and exhausted. Even a good night’s sleep doesn’t seem to help invigorate or strengthen us.

Sometimes the strength we need is for our soul. We must stop relying on our own strength and decide to rely on the strength that He has promised.

How does God strengthen us in these situations?

It begins when we realize that apart from Him; we are weak.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10

“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. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

Casting off our pride and recognizing our weaknesses allows us to rely on God’s power to fill us with His strength.

1 Peter 5:10-

“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast.”

This prayer for spiritual strengthening was to remind us He is an “ever-present help” (Psalm 46:1) in the inevitable sufferings in our lives.

God also strengthens us in the battle against the schemes of the enemy:

Ephesians 6:11-

“Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”

Depend on God’s strength and arm yourself with every piece of His armor-

His truth,

the confidence we gain through receiving His righteousness,

on the foundation of the gospel,

with faith,

His salvation, and

the Word of God.

Believers will be the targets of attack from the enemy. It is their goal to turn us away from God. It will be a lifelong struggle to defeat Satan in our lives, but we have been given the power and strength to do so.

Philippians 4:13

We can be content in any circumstance or situation- good or bad- when we believe:

“I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”

The Apostle Paul drew on Jesus’ power for strength to face all his difficult situations. We can do His will and face the challenges that come with it when we receive His strength.

We have the strength to fight by the power of the Holy Spirit within us.

Pray for Strength Bible Verse 

Jesus will come to us personally each day to give us strength. All we must do is ask for it, invite Him into our lives, and respond to His directions.

Ask Him for the strength you need, and the patience, perseverance, and trust to stay strong.

Pray these verses when you need His strength:

Psalm 119:28-

“My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.”

Psalm 29:11-

“The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses His people with peace.”

Psalm 22:19-

But you, Lord, do not be far from me. You are my strength; come quickly to help me.”

Hebrews 4:16 tells us we can “with confidence draw near to the throne of grace.”  Come to Him reverently and with confidence; asking Him to meet your needs. Then, “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding” (Philippians 4:7) will strengthen your heart and mind.

God is My Strength Verse

The Bible makes it very clear; the strength of God is with us in our time of need!

Psalm 73:26–

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

Psalm 59:9–

“O my Strength, I watch for you; you, O God, are my fortress.”

Psalm 27:1-

“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”

Psalm 46:1-

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” NKJV.

Bible Verse about Strength and Wisdom

We eat right and exercise to build physical strength, but what can we do to build spiritual strength? Solomon tells us gaining wisdom is a vital part of building up strength and allows us to do greater things than we could ever do on our own.

Proverbs 24:5 

“A wise man has great power, and a man of knowledge increases strength.”

Studying His Word cements His promises, encouragement, and knowledge deep in our hearts.

Bible Verses about Strength and Courage

When we’re feeling afraid or incapable of a task, it’s hard to feel strong and courageous. But God’s Word and the promise of His presence helps us get through these difficult times.

Joshua 1:9–

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid; nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” NKJV.

Paul gives the following instructions and encouragement to the Corinthians as they await his next visit. They apply to us today as we await the return of Jesus:

1 Corinthians 16:13–

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.”

The Joy of the Lord is My Strength

How does the joy of the Lord bring us strength? 

This truth comes from the prophet Nehemiah, as He was comforting the Israelites. As they wept with remorse over their past sins, he comforts them with these words:

“Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10.

They could celebrate because they understood the word of God which convicted them of their sin. Even though they were sad, they could be joyful because they realized God was doing a mighty work through them.

We, too, can have joy in the Lord during times of need. Connecting with Him brings joy and spiritual strength as we focus on God’s love and care. 

Finding Strength in God

One way we strengthen our faith is through worship. Yes, worship is for God, but it also reminds us of the beautiful truths that bring joy and the strength into our Christian life.

Have you ever felt God’s presence when you sing a worship song? It’s the wonder of our personal relationship- He meets us where we are and delights in our praise.

Whenever I am fighting a battle, I only have to listen to the truths presented in worship songs to feel His Spirit wash over me. I feel renewed and peaceful, ready to go forward with His strength to walk the path He has set before me.

Exodus 15:2–

“The Lord is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him.”

Psalm 59:16-

“But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.”

Give Me Strength, Jesus!

Is there anyone better qualified to teach us about strength than Jesus?

He went through the most horrific agony on the cross to save us from our sins. It took not only physical strength, but spiritual strength to follow His Father’s plan.

He showed tremendous strength, courage, and faith as our sins were placed upon Him. He knows what suffering entails.

Jesus doesn’t expect us to be strong all the time. If we were, we wouldn’t need His supernatural strength.

He wants us to find our strength in Him. Then we can say with confidence:

“The Lord is my strength and my shield, my heart trusts in Him and He helps me.” Psalm 28:7.

It is a trusting heart that brings increased strength. When we draw close to Him, He gives us the strength and wisdom to understand Him more completely; to reveal His nature and remind us of His promises.

A Prayer for Strength

O Lord, thank you for your amazing gift of strength in my life. Knowing I don’t have to be strong in every situation brings me comfort and peace. Help me to be strong and fearless and to renew my strength in you daily. Be my guiding light and strong tower. Remind me that when I am weak, you are there to lift me up and strengthen me. Give me your wisdom and courage, knowing you are with me no matter where I go. Amen.

Blessings of Strength,

AnnMarie

All Scripture is taken from the NIV unless specified otherwise.

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