Strength

“I pray that out of his glorious riches, he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being,” Ephesians 3:16
A month or two back I spent some time trying to quiet my thoughts, quiet the chaos that goes on inside my head. Once I did, I felt as if I heard God tell me I needed to be strong again. Not that I was weak, however, I have not been disciplining myself as much as I used to. Strong again in what context though, physically, mentally, spiritually? There are so many things that could mean. 
That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10
I wrestled with these questions: Strong, why does God ask us to be strong? Does He ask us to be strong or is He strong for us? What is He preparing us for? Or better question, what isn’t he preparing us for?
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.” Psalms 28:7
After a few weeks of devotions, looking up scripture, and spending time with my thoughts this is where I landed: Strength is complete, absolute, vulnerable trust in Jesus. There is only so much you can do and say before you just stop, drop to your knees, and come to Him in prayer. Once you stop the narrative in your head that you’ve written and listen to what He is telling you or showing you, you will have the strength to combat the lies with Truth. Scripture and Prayer are what make me confident. I don’t know that I will ever truly feel strong enough. However, I know that by putting my trust in Him above all else, I will find that peace that everything will be okay.  There is Hope in what tomorrow will bring. 
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
I am strong because God is the source of my strength.
I am strong because Jesus has given me a true source of confidence.
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” Ephesians 6:10
Jesus is my strength, no matter what happens, Jesus is what makes me strong.
“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.” Proverbs 31:25