The Bible has a lot to say about strength, both physical and spiritual. Here is an overview of some of the key biblical teachings on this topic:
God is the ultimate source of strength
According to the Bible, God is all-powerful and the ultimate source of strength for believers. Passages like Isaiah 40:28-31 remind us that God “gives strength to the weary” and renews those who wait on Him. 1 Chronicles 29:12 affirms that power and strength belong to God. As Psalm 68:35 declares, God is “awesome in his sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people.” God’s strength allows Him to help and strengthen His people.
Human strength is limited
In contrast to God’s limitless power, the Bible makes it clear that human strength and abilities are limited. Psalm 39:4-5 says that every person, despite their abilities or accomplishments, is “only a breath.” Isaiah 40:6-8 uses the metaphor of fading grass to illustrate the transience of human strength and achievements apart from God.
True strength comes from relying on God
Rather than relying on themselves, believers are called to find strength through faith in God. Passages like Psalm 28:7 and Isaiah 41:10 encourage seeking strength from the Lord. The apostle Paul learned to be content and strong in all circumstances through the power of Christ at work within Him (Philippians 4:13). Spiritual disciplines like prayer (Jude 1:20) and God’s Word (Psalm 119:28) are important means through which believers can tap into divine strength.
God strengthens His people
All throughout Scripture, God promises to strengthen those who walk with Him. Deuteronomy 33:25 affirms that “as your days, so shall your strength be” as we follow the Lord. The book of Isaiah repeatedly emphasizes how God strengthens the weary and helpless (Isaiah 35:3-4, 40:29). Psalms like 18:32 and 138:3 celebrate how God arms, strengthens and keeps His people. Ephesians 3:16 and Colossians 1:11 emphasize the strengthening power of God’s Spirit at work within believers.
Strength in weakness
Paradoxically, God’s power shines most brightly through human weakness. Paul discovered this principle through his struggle with a “thorn in the flesh” (2 Corinthians 12:7-10). The Lord told Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Rather than removal of weakness, Paul learned to boast in weaknesses that reveal Christ’s strength.
Strength for service
The Bible connects physical and spiritual strength to active service and ministry. Having strengthened the exiles returning from Babylon, God commissioned them to build His temple (Haggai 2:4-5). Epaphras labored vigorously through the strengthening power of Christ (Colossians 1:28-29). Strength is not self-centered, but equips us to bless others.
Cautions about misusing strength
With strength comes temptation to misuse it through pride, domination or selfishness. Israel’s impressive strength led to overconfidence and unfaithfulness (Deuteronomy 8:11-14). God reminded Gideon that human strength alone could not defeat the Midianites, lest Israel boast in their own power instead of God’s (Judges 7:2). Jesus’ parable of the talents warns against poor stewardship of the abilities we’re given (Matthew 25:14-30). Scripture cautions believers to exercise strength wisely and faithfully.
Waiting on the Lord renews strength
When strength runs low, Scripture encourages waiting patiently on God to renew our power. Isaiah 40:31 is one of the most well-known promises: “those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Along with active obedience, strength is renewed through quiet trust in God’s timing and provision.
The joy of the Lord is our strength
In the midst of difficult circumstances, Nehemiah encouraged the exiles to regain their joy and strength in the Lord (Nehemiah 8:10). Many psalms, like Psalm 28:7, link joyfulness and strength. Joy is not superficial happiness, but profound gladness and hope in who God is and what He has done. This deep joy and strength allows us to thrive in pleasant and unpleasant seasons alike.
Strength for spiritual warfare
Believers need spiritual strength and discernment to stand firm against the schemes of the devil (Ephesians 6:10-18). Passages like 2 Timothy 2:1 and 1 John 2:14 encourage us to grow strong in the grace of Jesus Christ so that we can overcome deception and sin. Spiritual disciplines like Scripture meditation, prayer, fellowship and worship all help strengthen believers against spiritual attack.
God’s strength working through human weakness
A key biblical theme is God displaying His strength through weak vessels who must rely fully on Him. Gideon’s army was pruned to just 300 men before God gave them victory (Judges 7). God allowed Goliath to taunt Israel’s army to show His might through young David (1 Samuel 17). Paul’s ministry was undergirded by a “thorn in the flesh” so that Christ’s power would be seen (2 Corinthians 12:7-10). In our weakness, Christ’s strength is perfected.
The strength of the Lord in salvation
Only through God’s merciful strength can we be saved from sin and death. There is nothing we can do to earn salvation; we must rely fully on what Christ has done for us. Ephesians 1:19-20 speaks of the “mighty strength” God exerted when He raised Jesus from the dead. Only God’s incomparably great power can raise sinners to new spiritual life in Christ (Ephesians 2:4-5). Salvation depends wholly upon the Lord’s strength.
Strength through God’s Word
Regular Scripture reading nurtures spiritual strength. The word of God is described as “living and active” and more powerful than any earthly force (Hebrews 4:12). Hiding God’s word in our heart helps avoid sin (Psalm 119:11). The Scriptures equip believers for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17). According to Jesus, even the unstable house built on His words withstands life’s storms (Matthew 7:24-25). Immersion in Scripture develops persevering faith.
Inner strength from the Holy Spirit
The Bible often links the strengthening of believers to the inward work of the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised His comforting Spirit would guide and empower the disciples after His departure (John 14:15-17). The book of Acts shows the Spirit strengthening and emboldening the early church (Acts 6:8,7:55-56). According to Paul, the Spirit’s work deep within produces persevering hope that anchors our strength (Romans 5:3-5, 15:13). The Spirit transforms our inner weakness into enduring strength.
Strength training through trials
Difficult seasons, though unpleasant, can strengthen our faith and reliance on God. Romans 5:3-4 describes how persevering through suffering builds character and hope. James says the testing of our faith develops spiritual endurance (James 1:2-4). While asking God to remove trials is fine, we must also trust His perfect will and timing. Though trials are tough, they can deepen our roots in God.
Strength through prayer and fasting
Along with God’s Word, prayer and fasting are vital spiritual disciplines for receiving divine strength. Jesus expected prayer to be part of His disciple’s daily life, modeling a lifestyle of constant connection with the Father (Luke 5:16). Through prayer, we can “approach God’s throne of grace” to find mercy and strength when needed (Hebrews 4:16). Fasting is linked with times of seeking God’s guidance and power (Acts 13:2-3).
Strength in unity with other believers
Within Christ’s body, God provides mutual support to strengthen each member. Romans 15:1-2 says we should help bear the weaknesses of our fellow believers and please others, not ourselves. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 celebrates the support found in godly community. We sharpen and protect each other, united by Christ (Colossians 2:2,19). Healthy interdependence with the Church strengthens endurance.
God rewards those who seek Him
Hebrews 11:6 declares God “rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” Our strength comes from diligently pursuing the Lord through spiritual disciplines, not passively waiting. The parables of the Hidden Treasure and Pearl of Great Price in Matthew 13 commend sacrificing everything to follow Christ. Though God strengthens the weary, He also calls us to passionately seek Him. True reward comes through delighting in the Lord.
The strength of love
While we often associate strength with force and aggression, the Bible reveals that true power is found in gentle, selfless love. 1 Corinthians 13, the famous love passage, says love always protects, perseveres and prevails. The book of Proverbs connects kindness, generosity and self-control with true strength of character (Prov. 16:32, 21:21, 31:25). Love for God and others requires incredible strength, but it is a quiet and unassuming strength.
Be strong and courageous
When facing intimidating circumstances like leading Israel into the Promised Land, God exhorted Joshua to be strong and courageous as He led the people (Joshua 1:6-9). We find similar encouragements to be strong throughout the Psalms (Psalm 31:24, 27:14). Though times get tough, God gives His people boldness and courage, saying “Do not be afraid” over 365 times in Scripture by some counts. He gives power to overcome fear.
Our weakness and God’s glory
A key theme, as mentioned earlier, is that human weakness highlights God’s glorious strength. Jesus’ death on the cross, the ultimate picture of human frailty and suffering, reversed the curse and won victory over Satan. God intentionally chose the lowly and despised to shame the proud (1 Corinthians 1:26-29). Our humility and surrendered weakness provide opportunities for Christ’s power to shine brightly in and through us.
In summary, Scripture gives deep insight into the nature of strength. True power comes from trusting God, not ourselves. Relying on Christ’s grace renews strength and equips us to serve others. Even in the midst of hardship and weakness, God patiently grows our character and faith. His word reminds us to passionately pursue intimate fellowship with the Lord, where we discover the spiritual strength to thrive in every season of life.
