Numerous times in the Bible we’re reminded that the Lord is our strength. We’re promised that out of his infinite power he will supply the wherewithal to withstand any strain, force, or stress.
The question becomes, how do we avail ourselves of God’s glorious might?
The answer may lie in just three strategies: affirm, trust, and thank.
1) AFFIRM such scriptural realities as God’s sovereignty over all things, his power at work on our behalf, and his constant, loving presence to sustain us (1).
We can direct our thoughts toward the promises he’s made to help, guide, and protect (2). In fact, scripture contains dozens of promises that offer hope and encouragement for any situation, because: “He who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:23 NIV).
Asserting biblical truth hour by hour, even moment by moment, results in spiritual strength, much as repetitive moves with weights build physical strength.
Also beneficial to affirm: what we’ve seen God do in the past. Has a surprise check arrived in the mail—almost to the penny of what was needed? Have you escaped a car collision by that much? Has the answer to a prayer far exceeded the request? God has granted such miracles in our family, too.
And that brings us to the second strategy, trust.
2) TRUST that the God of perfection will be true to his Word and keep his promises.
But when fretful thoughts do threaten, we can bring them before God with total honesty, just as King David did in the psalms (3). Next, we can return to the Affirm Strategy (above)—which David also embraced. Third, we simply do the next thing, refusing to worry about tomorrow.
And a trusting heart is a thankful heart.
3) THANK God at every opportunity. Even in the midst of trials, we can find joy:
- In Him and all his glorious attributes
- In his Word, where we find comfort and encouragement
- In creation, with all his meticulous handiwork and grand displays
- In the people around us, with their expressions of loving concern and help
- Through the five senses, providing unlimited delight
And the joy of the Lord will be our strength (Nehemiah 8:10).
These three strategies–affirming, trusting, and thanking—will enable us to move through each day with grace and a light spirit, just as a deer gracefully and lightly clears obstacles and scales rocky peaks, because:
* * * * * * * * * *
Oh, Lord, keep me mindful that no one is exempt from trouble in this sin-wracked world, but you rule supreme and will engineer good even from the worst of circumstances. Help me to be ever-conscious of the ways I can avail myself of your strength. And may I learn not just to withstand stressful times, but actually flourish in the midst of them.
Notes:
(1) 1 Chronicles 29:11-12; Isaiah 64:4; Deuteronomy 31:6
(2) Isaiah 41:10; Psalm 32:8 & 12:5b
(3) Psalm 10, 13, 31, and 102 offer examples of psalms that begin with lament and end with praise.
P.S. A personal update: Steve received his first chemo treatment this week to keep the cancer from growing and spreading to other organs as we wait for a liver transplant. The anti-cancer drug was applied directly to the tumors. We were warned he might experience pain, nausea, fever, and/or other side effects. But except for some discomfort and fatigue he has been fine. We continue to praise God for his faithfulness!
(Art & photo credits: http://www.canva.com (2); http://www.christianqotes.info; http://www.dailyverses.net; http://www.brainyquote.com; http://www.quotefancy.com; http://www.canva.com; http://www.dailyverses.net; http://www.brainquotes.org.)
From the Inside Out 
Another inspiring blog Nancy. It so applies to you and Steve at this time as well as all.. My prayers continue to be with you both. I had radiation 12 years ago when I had breast cancer again. Doing OK and so thankful i can still be a servant for our Father God. God has shown me so much through surgeries and 2 bouts with cancer and the loss of my mate, that deepened my relationship with Him, in a powerful way, that would not happened if I had not endured these circumstances with Him. I know His strength is all-sufficient in all things. I claim those Scripture verses daily, along with others. I know you and Steve, do as well, it makes the difference and can be done with Thanksgiving. Love to you both, Janet
Praise God His strength IS all-sufficient in all things! When someone like you, who has been through the fire–more than once–and can affirm such truth, it solidifies our faith all the more. Thank you for sharing, dear Janet!
We continue to pray for you & Steve. You are always such an inspiration. I know without God’s strength we would not have made it through the past few years, yet each morning I wake up with a heart full of praise & thankfulness for His faithfulness. Thanking Gid for you blog that inspire me on the cloudy days. 🙏❤️Anita
Indeed, you and Gator have persevered through serious trials–with smiles on your faces and unfaltering faith in your hearts. YOU are an inspiration to US! Thank you so much for your prayer support; we can feel it! And praise God these blog posts offer you inspiration. That’s MY prayer, each time I hit the “publish” button, that he use this platform for his purpose and his glory. Thank you, Anita!
Thank you for the update on Steve. The two of you are in my prayers daily. Thank you for your blogs; they are an inspiration, especially because I know your heart for Jesus Love, Nikki Sent from my iPhone
>
Thank you, Nikki! SO appreciate your prayers. And praise God you find inspiration here! That warms my heart.
Thank you Nancy. We can only rely on God and the times I get in His way, I fail. Also, thanks for the update on Steve. Blessings to both
Thank you, Laura. You are so right: in the final analysis, we can only rely on God. Our lives are in His hands. (But oh, what capable, loving hands they are!)
Lots of truth and wisdom here. Keep clinging to God’s promises, Nancy. Your faith is inspirational!
“Clinging to God’s promises reminds me of that old hymn, “Standing on the Promises.” “When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail, by the living word of God I shall prevail,” wrote the lyricist. Makes me wonder what storm he was facing. You have my permission to remind me: in the affirmation of God’s promises is the power to persevere!
I’ve been wondering about Steve getting his first treatment and praying for him as well. Praise God that Steve experienced only minimal discomfort! This edition of your blog is so inspiring. I’m sharing it with one of my nephews as he makes his transition to a new job location. He is excited, but a bit anxious, too. As for me, I found great comfort and assurance in reading ‘The Search for Strength’. It is jam-packed with blessings from our Savior!
Thank you SO much, Cheri, for your prayers on Steve’s behalf. Since I wrote this post he’s been experiencing some pain in his right side and up into his shoulder. I suppose it just took awhile for the chemo to start taking effect. Praying each day that it will do its job, and the pain will subside! May this post offer comfort and assurance to encourage your nephew during his transition, and praise God you found blessing here, too!
I love this Nancy… putting our faith into action! I shared this with one of my co-workers who is struggling with a difficult season… I love how you give practical suggestions to walk through tough times! I know you are living this right now ! What a beautiful witness it gives and gives God such glory! May His grace continue to encourage, strengthen and meet every need you and Steve have! Praise God for His answers you’ve already experienced!!❤️
Thank you, Lisa. I feel as though I am arming myself for the days ahead, and this post is certainly part of the process. It is my prayer as well that God’s all-sufficient grace be evident as we walk this road. SO appreciate your love, concern, and prayers, dear friend!
Sweet Nancy, what a beautiful post. Thank you for pointing us to the Love of Christ so very clearly. You know what amazes me? It is that He fully knows us and yet completely loves us – something only God can do. Praying for you and Steve.
Thank you so much for your prayers, Heidi. I do feel cocooned in God’s love these days, and know that the prayers of family and friends like you are among the layers! Yes, indeed, praise God that in spite of knowing us fully he loves us completely. A praiseworthy concept to focus on!
Hi Nancy,
I love that God’s power is in His words. They are real things that move into our lives when we receive them.
Thanks for sharing,
Gary
Good point, Gary. God’s words infuse us with the power to endure, the power to focus on what is praiseworthy, the power to follow God’s ways (which are always best), and more. Thank you for the powerful reminder!