Be empowered by the Lord’s promise to provide exactly what’s needed in His perfect time.
Have you ever felt weak inside and out? Beyond a cold or flu bug, have you experienced a bout of the “blahs” that kept you down?
A few months ago, I was in a slump and couldn’t seem to climb out. So, I joined a kickboxing gym. Yep, at the age of 53, I signed up for the hardest workout sessions I’ve ever experienced. And you know what? I found out I was stronger than I thought!
The first few workouts were the worst. In fact, we were required to wear a heart rate monitor and mine hit the red zone within the first three minutes—no joke. But as the weeks went on, I found myself gaining strength and endurance, finally reaching a point where I felt empowered instead of exhausted.
The Bible is our spiritual kickboxing gym. It empowers us to keep going when we’d rather not. It encourages, strengthens, matures, and edifies. After all, it’s living and active! The Word of God propels us forward when we’re struggling to put one foot in front of the other. So, if you’re in a slump, reach for your Bible and read these empowering verses for the new year. (And by the way, you’re stronger than you think!)
1. Deuteronomy 31:6
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
When we read the words “be strong” we might wonder how to “be” anything when we’re physically, emotionally, and spiritually drained. However, keep in mind Moses spoke these words at the age of 120; he didn’t let age or weariness stop him from speaking empowering words of faith.
God goes with you, before and behind. He hedges you in with mighty strength. So, the next time you feel worn out or discouraged, repeat the words, “He will never leave me nor forsake me.”
2. Isaiah 41:10 (ESV)
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Picture a loving father and child hiking on a mountain trail. The dad stays close, pulling the child up each time she slips. This is a beautiful word picture of Abba Father, the One who upholds us with His righteous right hand.
Feel God’s ever-present strength in the new year, guiding you through every circumstance. There’s no need to be discouraged or dismayed. He is with you and loves you with an everlasting love.
3. Psalm 73:26 (KJV)
“My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.”
No matter how healthy we strive to be, unexpected medical issues occasionally arise. However, Psalm 73:26 is the perfect reminder that God is our strength and portion forever. He does not leave us alone in sickness or pain. In fact, He is mighty to heal!
Do you believe in God for healing? Do you trust Him to restore your body to full health in Jesus’ name? Be empowered by the Lord’s promise to provide exactly what’s needed in His perfect time.
4. Romans 8:1-4 (ESV)
“There is therefore now 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. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.”
Walking in the Spirit is contrary to our human nature. That’s why we sometimes struggle to follow after God with our whole hearts. But remember, we are free from condemnation through Christ, and that empowers us to walk in Christ-confidence.
Resist legalistic thinking, and instead, turn your thoughts towards spiritual things. “For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus!”
5. 2 Corinthians 12:9
“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 about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
Have you ever named your weaknesses aloud, not in a depreciating sort of way, but in a surrendering sort of way? God’s power is made perfect every time we admit we need His help (which is always). We are invited to fully surrender and fully rest in His holy strength. What a mighty God we serve!
6. Colossians 3:1-4 (NKJV)
“If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.”
My friends, whatever we see around us is not all there is. Lifting your gaze above your current circumstances empowers you to see beyond the here and now and look with anticipation toward what is to come.
When life bogs you down, look up. Set your mind on things above, reaching toward heaven and declaring, “My life is hidden with Christ in God!”
7. 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
Of all the verses to memorize this New Year, 2 Timothy 1:7 is the one. Fear doesn’t stand a chance when God empowers us with love and a sound mind. Remember, the very same Spirit who raised Jesus lives in you, and greater is He who lives in you than he who is in the world! (1 John 4:4)
Walk in the empowerment of the Scriptures this year, spending even more time reading, studying, and memorizing. Think of the Bible as your spiritual kickboxing gym, maturing you and strengthening you to fight the good fight. You are stronger than you think!
Heavenly Father, please empower this reader with Your Word, reminding them of who they are in Christ. Strengthen and uphold them, guiding them by Your righteous right hand. Please provide for their needs according to Your riches in glory (Philippians 4:19) and lead them by Your Spirit. In every weakness, prove the power of Your might, showing them how a posture of surrender is necessary for the fight. Keep their eyes on things above where You are seated on Your throne. Thank You, Abba Father, for loving them with an everlasting love and giving them all the power they need for the days ahead. In Jesus’ holy name, 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
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