We may say that we are too weak, that we are not strong enough to do the will of God. That is certainly true if it is a matter of our own strength, but God commands us to be strong in Him, and He promises the strength we need.
Isa 40:29 He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength.
We have hope because it is God who gives power to us when we are weak.
2Co 12:10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
The real strength is God’s strength. When our flesh, our power to do things our own way, is weak, it is then that God’s strength is greatest in us.
Eph 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
We are commanded to be strong IN THE LORD.
We have to put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to satisfy its lusts. (Romans 13:14)
Putting on the whole armour of God is all about putting on Christ, since it is He Himself who is the Truth, our Righteousness, our Hope, our Salvation, our Shield, our Peace and the Word of God to us.
Isa 11:2 The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him, The Spirit of wisdom and understanding, The Spirit of counsel and might, The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD.
The Holy Spirit is the spirit of strength, or might. Being filled with Him is a big part of being strong in God.
2Sa 22:33 God is my strength and power, And He makes my way perfect.
It is good to confess that God is your strength. When God is your strength and power, He can make your way perfect also.
Jos 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.”
We are commanded like Joshua to be strong and of good courage. The reason? For the LORD your God is with us wherever we go.
Jos 1:7 Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go.
It takes strength from God to be able to obey the Word of God. It is obedience to the Word of God that enables us to prosper wherever we go. Obeying the leading of the Holy Spirit also requires strength. The Holy Spirit sometimes leads us into things that are not easy. But as we wait on God, we gain the strength to do them.
1Jn 2:14 I have written to you, fathers, Because you have known Him who is from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, Because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, And you have overcome the wicked one.
Baby Christians have not yet learned to be strong in the Lord, but they have learned that God has forgiven their sins. “Young men” in the Lord are strong because the word of God abides in them. To be strong in the Lord, we need to let the Word of God abide in us. This implies study, reflection and meditation on the Word as well as listening to the Word preached. These things make us strong in the Lord.
Isa 40:31 But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.
It is waiting on God that gives us strength. We exchange our weakness for God’s strength as we wait on Him. Dependence on God is what brings God’s strength. Dependence on self leads to failure.
Deu 6:5 You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.
God will give us strength with which to love Him. We should use all of it on loving God.
2Sa 22:40 For You have armed me with strength for the battle; You have subdued under me those who rose against me.
David knew it was God who gave him strength for the battle. It is the same for us in our battle to keep evil out of our minds and do what pleases God. Yes, we battle, but it is God who gives the strength and the sanctifying power. We depend on God for that strength.