Have you ever felt weak inside and out? Have you ever had a cold or flu, or even a depressing “bad” attack?
A few months ago, I fell into a slump and couldn’t seem to crawl out of it. So, I joined a kickboxing gym. So, at age 53, I signed up for the hardest workout session I’ve ever had. And you know what? It turns out I’m stronger than I thought!
The first few workouts were terrible. In fact, I was required to wear a heart rate monitor, and my heart rate monitor hit the red zone within the first 3 minutes (I’m not kidding). But as the weeks went by, I noticed that I was gaining strength and stamina, and I finally reached a point where I felt empowered rather than exhausted.
The Bible is our spiritual kickboxing gym. It gives us the strength to keep going even when we don’t want to go. It encourages, strengthens, matures, and enlightens. After all, it’s lively and active! When we struggle to put one foot in front of the other, God’s Word keeps us going. So if you’re in a slump, pick up your Bible and read these empowering verses for the new year. (By the way, you’re stronger than you think!)
“Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid or be afraid because of them. The Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
When you read the phrase “be strong,” you may wonder how you can “be strong” when you are physically, emotionally, and spiritually exhausted. But remember that Moses spoke these words when he was 120 years old. He did not let age or fatigue prevent him from speaking the empowering words of faith.
God is with you before and behind you. He surrounds you with great power. So the next time you feel weary or discouraged, repeat these words: “God will never leave me or forsake me.”
“Do not be afraid, for I am with you; do not be discouraged; for I am your God; I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Imagine a loving father and son hiking along a mountain trail. The father is nearby every time the child slips and pulls him up. These are the beautiful words of Father Abba, who upholds us with his righteous right hand.
In the new year, feel the ever-present power of God guiding you through every situation. There is no need to be discouraged or discouraged. God is with you and loves you with an everlasting love.
“My flesh and my soul fail, but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion is forever.”
No matter how hard you try to stay healthy, unexpected medical problems can occur. But Psalm 73:26 is the perfect reminder that God is our strength and our portion forever. God does not leave us alone in sickness and suffering. In fact, God is powerful in healing!
Do you believe in divine healing? Do you believe that God will restore your body to full health, in the name of Jesus? Empower me with His promise to provide exactly what I need at the perfect time.
“Therefore now there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, for the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. He condemned sin in the flesh by sending His Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, so that the righteous requirements of the law might be fulfilled in us who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit.”
Walking by the Spirit goes against our human nature. That’s why we sometimes have a hard time following God wholeheartedly. But remember, we are freed from condemnation in Christ, which gives us the strength to walk in faith in Him.
Resist legalistic thinking and instead turn your thoughts to spiritual things. “For the law of the Spirit of life has made you free in Christ Jesus!”
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
Have you ever said out loud your weaknesses, not in a condescending way, but in a surrendering way? Every time we admit that we need God’s help (which we always do), God’s power becomes complete. We are called to surrender and rest completely in God’s holy power. What a great God we serve!
“If you have been raised with Christ, then look for what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your hearts on things above, not on things on earth, for you died and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, appears, you also will appear with him in glory.”
Friends, it is not all what we see around us. If we look up from our current situation, we can look beyond the here and now and look with anticipation to what’s to come.
When you get stuck in life, look up. Set your mind on things above, reach toward heaven and declare, “My life is hidden with Christ in God!”
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and a sound mind.”
Among the scriptures to memorize this new year is 2 Timothy 1:7. If God gives us love and a healthy heart, there is no need for fear. Remember, the very Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, and He who lives in you is greater than any Spirit that is in the world. (1 John 4:4)
This year, walk in the power of the Bible by spending more time reading, studying, and memorizing it. Think of the Bible as a spiritual kickboxing gym that helps you grow and strengthens you to fight the good fight. You are stronger than you think!
Heavenly Father, please use Your Word to empower this reader and remind him of who he is in Christ. Guide them, strengthen them and sustain them with your righteous right hand. Supply their needs according to your glorious riches (Philippians 4:19) and guide them by your Spirit. Show how the battle requires an attitude of surrender, even in all weakness, and prove the power of your strength. Look at what is above where you sit on the throne. Father Abba, thank you for loving them with your eternal love and giving them all the strength they need for the days ahead. In the holy name of Jesus, amen.
More resources for your journey:
25 Empowering Bible Verses About Strength
20 Uplifting Bible Verses to Encourage Your Daily Walk
20 powerful bible verses about protection from evil and harm
Photo credit: ©PxHere
Jennifer Waddle is the author of several books, including Prayer WORRIER: Turning Every Worry into Powerful Prayer, and a regular contributor to LifeWay, Crosswalk, Abide, and Christians Care International. Jennifer’s online ministry is EncouragementMama.com, where you can find her books and subscribe to her weekly post, “Disappointment Can’t Win.” She lives with her family near her favorite place on earth, the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.
