Pray For Strength

September 26 – Pray for Strength

Scripture

“For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him.” 2 Chronicles 16:9a (ESV)

“For the eyes of the LORD run to and from throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him.” (KJV)

Encouragement

There are days when we simply feel worn out.

The burden has lasted longer than we expected. The responsibility feels too heavy. We have tried to remain faithful, but our strength seems to be running low.

Those are not moments when we need to pretend to be strong.

They are moments when we need to pray.

Second Chronicles 16:9 gives us a beautiful picture of God: His eyes are searching throughout the earth “to give strong support” to those whose hearts are fully His.

The context makes this verse especially meaningful. King Asa had once depended upon God when facing an overwhelming enemy, but later in his life, he chose to depend on human strength instead. God reminded him that His strength had been available all along.

We can make the same mistake.

When trouble comes, we may immediately depend on our own abilities, resources, plans, or other people. And while God can certainly use those things, they were never meant to replace our dependence upon Him.

Prayer acknowledges, “Lord, I cannot do this in my own strength. I need You.”

Perhaps that is exactly where you are today.

You do not have to convince God that you are strong enough.

Come to Him in your weakness.

Ask for strength to take the next step, strength to remain faithful, strength to obey, and strength to keep trusting.

Our strength may run out.

His never does.

Prayer

Dear heavenly Father,

Thank You that I do not have to depend on my own strength. You know where I am tired, discouraged, and weak. Help me to stop relying on myself and turn to You in prayer. Give me the strength I need to remain faithful, obey Your Word, and take the next step You place before me. Keep my heart fully devoted to You and teach me to depend on Your strength each day. In Jesus’ sweet name, amen.

Thought for Today

When my strength runs out, God’s strength has not.