We’ve all had those days: the ones that seem to drag on endlessly, where we wonder what else could go wrong. You’re exhausted, the house is a mess, your children are whining, your husband still isn’t home from work and dinner burned. Or maybe you’re dealing with a deeper trial where you really need God to carry you through. It’s on these days when we need God’s strength the most.
God put these verses on my heart to share with you, and it seems like the more I searched for scriptures on God’s strength, the more there were! There are so many precious Bible verses about God’s strength at work within us. Download these printable memory verse cards that you can post around the house for those weary days.
Paul gives us a great example of someone who went through hardships and trials (2 Corinthians 11:24-29) yet was strengthened again and again. Here’s a powerful verse displaying God’s strength:
At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
2 Timothy 4:16-18
In this passage, Paul was going through one of the most challenging times: he was imprisoned, on trial, facing the end of his life, and he was alone. It seems that when he went to court to defend himself, none of his friends showed up. Despite all of this, he kept his faith. He believed that God would carry him through – and He did. None of his earthly friends may have stood beside Paul, but the Lord did. He was not truly alone, because he had Jesus beside him. The same is true for us.
I read this verse this morning and it struck me that at times I have very little faith that God can strengthen me. Here’s the problem with that: there hasn’t been a day He hasn’t gotten me through. He has carried me through the most painful of days and given me the energy I’ve needed when I thought I couldn’t keep going. Why do I think today is going to be any different?
The Bible says that God is an ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). He says He will never leave us or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6, Hebrews 13:5). Jesus says He will be with us to the very end (Matthew 28:20).
This reminds me of a particular time where God strengthened me. In December 2015, I had to have surgery, and I was terrified. The thing I was most afraid of was going into surgery alone—I was petrified thinking about being alone in the brief time when they would roll me away from my friends and family and wheel me into the operating room. In the hours leading up to the surgery, I prayed a specific prayer: God, hold my hand. Be with me as I go into surgery. And when the moment came for me to say goodbye to my family and go to the operating room, as the nurses were wheeling me away, the surgeon ran up to my bed and took my hand. She held my hand all the way to the operating room, and kept holding it until I was asleep. Of course, she didn’t know about my prayer—she didn’t even know I was afraid. But God did — and I really believe that through her, God Himself was holding my hand all the way to the operating room and into surgery. In that moment I saw that God was a present help in my trouble and He would hold my hand as long as I needed.
If you feel like you need God to hold your hand and strengthen you today, here’s some practicals:
1. Spend time praying and reading the Bible.
Sometimes, we’re dying of thirst and we want God to fill us, but we don’t show up at the river to drink. I want to challenge you with something, mamas: wake up before your children and drink deeply of your Savior. I know all the excuses because I’ve said them, too: I can’t wake up that early, I’ll be too tired the rest of the day, I’m not a morning person, etc. I started waking up before my kids this year after being challenged by another mom’s example and it has been nothing short of life-changing. It’s not easy, but it’s always worth it. Sure, some days I am more tired than others. And there are mornings I have to re-read the same verse over and over because my brain is too foggy. BUT these times have strengthened me in ways I’ve desperately needed during difficult times. And the same can be true for you. Even fifteen minutes of prayer and Bible reading, while the house is quiet and the day hasn’t started yet, can make a world of difference.
2. Recall past victories from God.
List five answered prayers. Remember how God has worked powerfully in your life in the past. When we remember these times, it’s easier to have faith that He’ll carry us through our current trials. Remember, there’s not a day He hasn’t gotten you through yet!
3. Call on godly friends.
Sometimes, like Paul, we have to go through trials alone. But other times, God offers us strength and comfort through others (2 Corinthians 1:3-5). It’s so tempting to want to seem like we have it all together in front of our friends. But I really believe God blesses our vulnerability! When we are willing to reach out to our sisters in Christ and ask for prayer and encouragement, God loves to answer those prayers. I’m grateful for my church small group and the text thread that we have between the other women in the group. We pray for each other regularly and with each other and God continues to hear our prayers.
4. Listen to worship music.
This is something that helps me to fix my mind on Jesus. This helps me when I’m too anxious to really “get” the Scriptures. It’s a special way to instill the Word of God into our hearts. Here’s a playlist with some of my favorite songs for difficult days:
5. Recite Bible verses.
One of my favorite verses to repeat to myself is this one in Exodus: “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest (Exodus 33:14).” In the midst of a chaotic day, it helps me so much to remind myself that God is with me and He will (eventually!) give me rest. Download the memory verse cards below for more scriptures about God’s strength.
Just like God strengthened Paul to finish the mission to preach the Gospel, the Lord will carry us through our mission of being godly wives and raising little ones. You (and God) have got this, mama!
If you need more strength today, check out these other devotionals:
When Your Emotions Are Too Much: Cast Your Anxiety
2 Comments
I absolutely love your blog! There are deep! Especially this one! So on point! Thank you Tiffany for being so real and encouraging! May God continue to bless you Ministry my sister!
Amen. Thank you, Anne 🙂