How to grow in strength?

I have been a physically weak child growing up. I’ve caught up now, gained strength because of loving soccer during school and college days. In recent years, my sedentary lifestyle caught up with me. Nevertheless, God has been merciful and kept me physically, mentally and emotionally well for His glory.

We already know bodily exercise profits little. “For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.” 1 Timothy‬ ‭4:8‬

We all need good health and strength for when it’s necessary. Some jobs require great physical strength, others require higher levels of mental and emotional strength. It’s generally accepted that the young lack the toughness of the olden days. I agree because technology has transformed the way we function daily.

When I read about Old Testament biblical greats like Moses, and Joshua, among others, it’s fascinating to know how God led them through great victories and kept them in good physical and mental strength.

“And Moses was an hundred and twenty years old when he died: his eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated.” Deuteronomy‬ ‭34:7‬ ‭

A 11 day journey took 40 years. Yet, those who loved God in the journey were greatly blessed. Moses grew up in the palace, but was humbled in the land of Midian before he set off to lead Israelites out of Egypt. Even his eyes never grew dim, the Bible records.

Joshua was a mighty man of God. His strength in Christ remained in him even after many years of war and toil.

“As yet I am as strong this day as I was in the day that Moses sent me: as my strength was then, even so is my strength now, for war, both to go out, and to come in.” Joshua‬ ‭14:11

How to receive strength?

The Bible shares many ways to receive the strength we need to complete our journey on earth. I'd like to share three ways through which we can gain strength.

Lifestyle of Praise

We were created for Gods glory and delight, called to shew forth His praises, daily. God dwells in the praises of His people.

“But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.” Psalms 22:3 

When I carry the presence of God in me i.e. give room for my mind and heart to be filled with Gods Spirit of praise and Word, or even when I am with fellowship with two or more believers, the presence of God brings strength to my spirit and soul.

“They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God.” Psalms 84:7 

Not only do we receive strength but will also grow in strength in the presence of God. Our inner man gets bolstered by the Spirit of God.

“That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;” Ephesians 3:16 

Joy of the Lord

King David in his time of worship, shares his experience of being in Gods presence where is fulness of joy

“Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” Psalms 16:11 

During the building of the temple, in Nehemiah's time, they read the Word of God to invite the presence of God. Building a temple for God was important to gather people together, but the real reason was to build minds and hearts for the Lord. The people greatly rejoiced and received strength after the law was read as they were united in spirit and truth.

“Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10

Grace of Jesus

Paul advises Timothy to grow in strength in the grace of Jesus.

“Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 2:1

Paul also talks about how he laboured more than all for the sake of Christ because of the abundant grace of God in his life.

“But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.” 1 Corinthians 15:10 

There is so much to share about each of these points. I'm keeping it short so you can reflect on it on your own. We have a wonderful God in Christ Jesus, and His death on the cross of Calvary and resurrection on the third day has brought freedom and transformed the way we live each day. Nothing gives me greater joy than being in the presence of God and soaking in His amazing love and truth.

When we ensure Gods praises in our lives, enjoy the presence of God, and walk truthfully, we grow in strength.