How Strong Would You Like to Be

There is no denying that in this world you need to be strong. At certain times and circumstances you will require more strength than others. Whether you're looking for more physical energy, moral fortitude or spiritual authority, there never seems to be enough when you suddenly need it. A lack of strength tends to be regarded as a sign of weakness. How do you feel when you just don't have what it takes to fight an unanticipated powerful enemy? No matter whether you're confronted with a physical goliath or an important moral decision which could affect the rest of your life and that of your family, you need to be strong.

The more you practice relying on God's Word for your every need, the more you will be able to say, like David: "The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from mine enemies." (Ps.

18: 2-3) David learned as a young lad how in God's strength he opened the lion's mouth to save a sheep, and then killed the beast when it attacked him! Another time the Lord's strength came upon him to slay a bear. The very first time David yelled out to God for supernatural might, he might have been surprised at the result. By the time he faced Goliath, whom everyone feared, David had an absolute unswerving faith that God would use him to gain the victory.

He knew that this godless giant did not have a chance against the Power of God, even though the armies of Israel felt powerless against this intimidating foe. David challenged his opponent that he would prove to every nation that there is a God in Israel, and that the battle is the Lord's. God does not save with sword and spear. (2 Sam. 17: 34-37; 45- 47) It's "Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts." (Zech.

5: 6) Yes, God is your strength when you have none. A favorite verse of mine, which I pray often, is that: "He maketh my feet like hinds' feet, and setteth me upon my high places." Imagine being as sure-footed as mountain deer jumping over dangerous crevasses and never worrying about falling! No matter what people think of you or what blunders you make, God will restore you in due time and truly set you on high.

Salvation is your shield. The Lord will hold you up by His right hand. Do you know that it's His gentleness that gives you power? (Ps.18: 33-35) Gentleness is not usually associated with strength or power.

In fact, in the world it seems just the opposite. However, "The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous; but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.

" (Ps. 34: 18 - 19) God looks on the heart and is moved with compassion by your trust in Him. "How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings." (Ps. 36: 7) If you would like to have the strength of David, follow David's example and draw close to Him.

Trust and faith are developed gradually. Start trusting Him for small things, and soon you will come to the point where you can proclaim: "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." (Phil. 4:13).

Ann Stewart is the author of "With Wings As Eagles," It motivates, inspires and encourages others to stand victoriously in their trials. http://www.lifealteringwords.com/with-wings-as-eagles Her inspirational newsletter: http://www.lifealteringwords.com