Let’s face it. The world values strength. Or, at least, a show of strength. From national leaders to athletes to office supervisors, a show of strength often translates into earned respect. However, this becomes a problem because people begin to only value being strong and are afraid of being weak. This is especially a problem when it comes to a personal relationship with God.

Finding real strength in weakness

If you are someone who believes in God, then it is no controversy to believe that God is stronger than anyone or anything on any level. If you don’t believe in God, at least the idea of who God should be should be one of someone greater than yourself and anyone else who has ever lived or will ever live.

How do we interact with such a being? Do we show Him strength to earn His respect? No! In fact, God appears to be most pleased with us when we are humble and acknowledge our weaknesses and turn to Him in the process. It’s in these positions that we lean on His strength rather than ours, which is a truer strength than any we can conjure.

Scripture is full of countless examples of this. The story of David is one. David was an adulterer, murderer and all-around not the most stand-up guy. However, he was described as a “man after God’s own heart.” He praised God when things were good. He cried out to God in earnest when things were bad. He turned to God for wisdom and direction. He trusted in God’s strength over his own.

As people of faith, we should look to David’s heart for God as an inspiration, not the exploits of David the king. Kings are few and far between in the story of mankind; people with personal relationships with God are more prevalent and are of a greater kingdom than any man or woman can build.

Let’s aim for that and lean on God’s strength rather than puffing up our own. 

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