Why Do You Want to Be Strong?
“He delighteth not in the strength of the horse: he taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man. The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.”Psalm 147:10–11 (KJV)
It is a good thing to want to be strong. But it is worth asking why. Do you want strength so you can feel strong and look strong? Or so you can serve the people around you better?
The psalm has a surprising line about what impresses God. “He delighteth not in the strength of the horse: he taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man. The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.” God isn’t impressed by our muscles. He delights in our trust.
Paul learned something even deeper through his own weakness. God told him, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” And Paul answered, “Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
Train if you can. Get stronger if you can. But pray for the strength to serve, and remember that the greatest strength you will ever have is his, resting on you when you are weak.
Read it yourself
Read 2 Corinthians 12:7–10. What did Paul ask God for three times, and what was God’s answer?
Why do you want to be strong? Which kind of strength do you pray for?
Lord, your strength is made perfect in my weakness. Make me strong to serve, and help me trust your power more than my own. Amen.