Everybody has their ups and downs. Some days may be great, while others bring challenges that may wear us down. In difficult times it can be easy to feel overwhelmed, but as Christians, we must remember that our strength does not come from ourselves—it comes from the Lord.
David declared, “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him” (Psalm 28:7). When we trust and obey God, we are never alone (John 14:23). He is our Protector, our Refuge, and the Source of our endurance. Even when the future seems uncertain, we can rest assured that He is with us, and we therefore know what our ultimate future is! “…for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day” (2 Timothy 1:12; cf. 4:7-8).
The apostle Paul faced many hardships—beatings, imprisonment, shipwrecks, and persecution—yet he remained steadfast because his strength came from the Lord. In prison he wrote, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13). This verse is not about achieving self-centered goals or worldly success but overcoming all circumstances through faith in the Lord (Romans 8:28). No matter how heavy our burdens get, God gives us the strength to carry on through Christ: “Be careful [anxious] for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus…my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7, 19; cf. 4:11-12). “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (1 Peter 5:7).
When the struggles come, we must turn to our loving Father in prayer and lean on His Word. His promises remind us that He will never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). He sees our struggles, hears our prayers, and provides exactly what we need at the right time. “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31). “Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD” (Psalm 27:14).
Our strength from the Lord is not meant to be kept to ourselves—it is meant to be shared! God wants us to encourage one another and lift each other up. “Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do” (1 Thessalonians 5:11; cf. Hebrews 10:23-25). When our faith is strengthened, we can help others strengthen theirs. Encouraging words, help offered when needed, or a reminder of God’s promises can make all the difference in someone’s life. As we rely on God for our own strength, let us also be a source of strength and encouragement to those around us.
Have you been feeling overwhelmed or discouraged? Make sure you are faithful to God (2 Corinthians 13:5), and then take comfort in knowing that He is with you. He loves you, and He will be your strength, your shield, and your ever-present help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1). Keep your focus on Him and the hope of Heaven, and you will have the endurance you need to face the challenges of life with confidence and peace.