I Am Weak; God Gives Strength!

September 26, 2024

I Am Weak; God Gives Strength!

I did not have any energy. 

+It was difficult to get up and do something; I was tired. 

+It was a challenge to get motivated; I was empty. 

+It was exhausting to focus on anything; I was powerless. 

I was out of “gas.”  I had worked too many hours for too many weeks.  I had filled my spare time with too many strenuous recreational activities.  I had let my spiritual disciplines (especially reading the Bible, praying, and worship) slip to the side for too long.  There was nothing left in my “tank.”  I felt weak.

I am weak; God gives strength!

Sadly, I had forgotten who or what could fill me up again.  I tried everything; taking a walk, reading a book, engaging in a hobby, and eating some chocolate.  Nothing was working; the additional activities had become distractions.  What I really needed was to draw nearer to Jesus.

I am weak; God gives strength!

The Bible shares an important promise to those who feel weak or inadequate or empty. 

In Exodus 15:2 we hear; “The Lord is my strength and my might, and he has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise him; my father’s God, and I will exalt him.”

In Joshua 1:9 we hear; “I (Lord God) hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

In Psalm 81:1 (CEV) we hear; “Be happy and shout to God who makes us strong!  Shout praises to the God of Jacob.”

There are several ways for those who feel weak to find strength in Jesus.

First, engage in worship with other Christian people at a church. 

In Exodus we hear two phrases that sound like worship; “…I will praise him (the Lord God)…” and “I will exalt him (the Lord God).”  In the passage from the Psalms we here a similar statement; “Shout praises to the God of Jacob.”

Each of these expressions of worship are found adjacent to the promise that God will be our strength when we feel weak.  When those who are weak choose to worship the Lord, the Holy Spirit pours strength into their heart, mind, soul, and body. 

Second, admit your fear and/or anger.

The reason Joshua felt weak and inadequate was because his heart and mind were filled with fear and anger.  Confess your fear and anger to Jesus.  Get specific about what or who is the focus of these feelings.  Ask Jesus to help you move beyond these emotions. 

The Lord reminds Joshua, “Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed (angry)…”  The Lord tells Joshua fear and anger get in the way of God’s outpouring of strength into your life.  Fear and anger are the enemies of being strong and courageous.  Admit and confess your fear and/or anger.

Third, remind yourself every day that Jesus is with you.     

When the Lord God commands Joshua to be strong, the Lord also gives a promise to Joshua.  That promise is; “…the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” 

When I feel weak, I have usually exhausted my efforts in making a difference without remembering that the Lord is with me in each of those moments and efforts.  In other words, my feelings of weakness often come when I am relying more upon my strength than I am relying upon God’s presence.

Today might be a great opportunity to do an honest self-examination.  Ask yourself these questions;

+Am I engaged in worship with other people at a church?

+Am I honestly confessing my fear or anger to Jesus?

+Am I depending more upon my power than the strength which Jesus’ presence brings to me?

+Am I feeling helpless in my efforts more so than I am feeling empowered in Jesus’ strength?

All kinds of things can leave us feeling weak.  But, there is only one thing that can make us feel strong; the assurance of Jesus’ loving presence.  May the Holy Spirit give you strength to meet whatever challenge you are facing today.  When that strength comes in the midst of your weakness, your heart will be filled with delight in God’s goodness and generosity.

Take Delight In The Lord!

Doug