God is our Strength by Ted Robertson - Oct. 2010
How can we reckon and make sense out of the following two Scriptural texts?
1. If we faint in the face of adversity, our strength is small
If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small. Proverbs 24:10
2. When we are weak, then we are strong
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions,
in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10
First let us define strength according to Scripture
Isaiah beckons the redeemed to put on strength
Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the LORD; awake, as in the ancient days, in the generations of old. Art thou not it that hath cut Rahab, and wounded the dragon? Art thou not it which hath dried the sea, the waters of the great deep; that hath made the depths of the sea a way for the ransomed to pass over? Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away. Isaiah 51:9-10
Men are not delivered by strength. God delivers us
There is no king saved by the multitude of a host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength. A horse is a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver any by his great strength.
Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy; to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.
Our soul waiteth for the LORD: he is our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name.
Let thy mercy, O LORD, be upon us, according as we hope in thee. Psalms 33:16-22
God is the strength of our hearts. We are to draw near to Him
So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee. Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand. Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but thee? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides thee. My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee. But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works. Psalms 73: 22-28
Where is this strength?
God helps us in real and lasting ways. Man’s help is vanity
Give us help from trouble: for vain is the help of man. Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies. Psalms 60: 11-12
There is strong confidence and refuge in the Lord
In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge. Proverbs 14:26
Strength is in the sanctuary of the Lord
Honor and majesty are before him: strength and beauty are in his sanctuary. Give unto the LORD, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength. Psalms 96:6-7
Where is God?
God is our helper
Hear, O LORD, and have mercy upon me: LORD, be thou my helper. Psalms 30:10
God is always with us
Yet the LORD will command his loving-kindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life. Psalms 42:8
Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. And Moses called unto Joshua, and said unto him in the sight of all Israel, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou must go with this people unto the land which the LORD hath sworn unto their fathers to give them; and thou shalt cause them to inherit it. And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed. Deuteronomy 31:6-8
WHAT IS GOD ABLE TO DO FOR US?
The enemies of God’s people fainted before them because God had delivered them
And they went, and came unto the mountain, and abode there three days, until the pursuers were returned: and the pursuers sought them throughout all the way, but found them not. So the two men returned, and descended from the mountain, and passed over, and came to Joshua the son of Nun, and told him all things that befell them: and they said unto Joshua, Truly the LORD hath delivered into our hands all the land; for even all the inhabitants of the country do faint because of us. Joshua 2:22-24
God delivers out of all trouble
For he hath delivered me out of all trouble: and mine eye hath seen his desire upon mine enemies. Psalms 54:7
God is the strength of our lives. Through patience, He strengthens our hearts
The LORD is my light and my salvation;whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? … Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path,because of mine enemies. Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty. I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD. Psalms 27:1, 11-14
HOW DO WE TAP INTO THIS?
When we are falling apart, we should pray for God’s strength
My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy word. Psalms 119:28
God will teach us how to rely on His strength
Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name. Psalms 86:11
We are promised that God will give us strength
The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace. Psalms 29:11
Ascribe ye strength unto God: his excellency is over Israel, and his strength is in the clouds. O God, thou art terrible out of thy holy places: the God of Israel is he that giveth strength and power unto his people. Blessed be God. Psalms 68:34-35
BLESSINGS we can receive through God’s strength
A blessing to us for trusting in God
O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee. Psalms 84:12
A blessing comes by receiving God’s strength and having our hearts aligned with God
Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; in whose heart are the ways of them. Psalms 84:5
Conclusion
The joy of the Lord is our strength
And Nehemiah, which is the Tirsha’tha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day is holy unto the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law. 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 8:9-10
Jesus received all power in heaven and earth. He is always with us
Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Matthew 28:16-20
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