The Source of Real Strength

By Greg Sanders

Psalms 44:5 Only by your power can we push back our enemies; only in your name can we trample our foes. 6 I do not trust in my bow; I do not count on my sword to save me. 7 You are the one who gives us victory over our enemies; you disgrace those who hate us. 8 O God, we give glory to you all day long and constantly praise your name.

When life is going well it is easy for us to begin build confidence in our own abilities and intellect. When times are good it is common for us to inwardly begin to take credit for our success in life. But nothing causes us to reconsider our real need for God like a problem that seems bigger than us. Psalm 44 was actually a prayer by the people of Israel in a time where their situation seemed overwhelming. In the midst of this huge problem they remembered their source of real strength was always in God. The greatest strength in your life is not what you can produce, but rather what God can produce through you.

How can you invite the strength of God in your life?

Remember there is power in the name of Jesus. The psalmist recounts how all of the victories in life come from God. Though Israel had won many great battles, they were all won in the power of God. If you read the history of Israel in the Bible you discover that most times God would work in a way that was obvious to everyone. It was He who brought victory. Real success in life is found by remembering that our real strength lies in our dependence on God.

Admit your resources are no help for the real issues of life. Every one of us has talent and abilities. You no doubt have expertise and experiences that gives you an edge in specific areas of life. Thank God for those. However, at many points along life’s journey, you will be brought to the place where you realize that your resource is inadequate for a particular leg of the journey. The quicker you come to this realization, the faster you will turn to the Lord and receive His help.

God does not respond to us because He admires our strength. He responds to us because He loves us and wants to cover our weakness. Psalm 51:17 reminds us that God “ will not reject a broken and repentant heart” Admit your need for help and you will discover His strength will come to you.

Praise God in the middle of your struggle.

Psalm 44:8 O God, we give glory to you all day long and constantly praise your name.

When you give God praise you receive His strength in two ways. First, He promises to inhabit the praise of His people. When you begin to worship Him you will soon begin to experience His presence. Secondly, when you give God praise for His past faithfulness it begins to build your faith for today. Where there is constant praise there will be a constant flow of His strength into your life.

Today’s Challenge: Face the challenges of today with His strength. Admit you need His help and begin to recount His deeds of the past. Remember your strength is not limited to what you can do. You possess access to the unlimited power of God.

Blessings,

Greg