The Biblical Perspective On Inner Strength

Growing up, I was taught that the acronym for the word bible is Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth. Therefore, when I take the time and read the word of God, I am looking for instructions that give me principles to build my life. The Bible is a valuable source of wisdom and guidance for Christians seeking inner strength. From the Old Testament to the New, the Scriptures offer insight into the nature of strength and how it can be cultivated in our lives.

One of the most prominent themes in the Bible is perseverance in the face of adversity. We often see examples of individuals who endured and overcame trials and tribulations through their faith in God. Job, for instance, suffered unimaginable losses and hardships, yet he never lost hope or belief in God. Ultimately, he was rewarded with a restored sense of prosperity and a deeper understanding of God's wisdom and power.

Similarly, the Apostle Paul endured many hardships during his ministry, including imprisonment, beatings, and shipwrecks. Yet he never lost faith in God or his commitment to spreading the Gospel. In his letter to the Philippians, he wrote, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13). This verse has inspired and encouraged Christians seeking inner strength in difficult times.

Another important aspect of inner strength from a biblical perspective is surrendering our will to God's will. Jesus demonstrated this principle in the Garden of Gethsemane, where he prayed, "Father if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Now, I want to take a moment and show the humanity of Jesus in this moment. The Bible says in Philippians 2:8, “He humbled himself, becoming obedient unto death, even to the death of the cross.” I love this verse because it highlights that although Jesus had the DNA of God running through his veins, the pain of the flesh as it pertained to crucifixion brought some anxiety and apprehension. Jesus’s Garden experience shows how his spirit wrestled with his mind and body, struggling with the thought of pain and the cruel part of the process. At that moment, Jesus was becoming obedient unto the will of God.

Overpowering the will of man so that He can do the will of God took a strength not rooted in human flesh. It was Jesus’s time in the garden where His spirit won the war, and he humbled himself to change His confession. Jesus’s complaint filled with anxiety went from letting the cup pass to, “Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done" (Luke 22:42). By surrendering his desires and submitting to the will of his Father, Jesus was able to find the inner strength to endure the cross and redeem humanity.

The Bible offers a wealth of wisdom and guidance for Christians seeking inner strength. Through examples of perseverance, surrender, and faith, we can learn how to cultivate a more profound sense of inner strength that will carry us through even the most challenging times. By relying on God's strength and wisdom, we can find the power within to overcome any obstacle and live a life of purpose and meaning.