I love you, LORD; you are my strength. Psalm 18:1 (NLT)
5 things you can do to find everyday strength
- STRONG PEOPLE DEVELOP STRONG MOTIVES
Burning with anger, he returned to his father’s home. Judges 14:19b (NIV)
Samson said to them, “This time I have a right to get even with the Philistines; I will really harm them.” Judges 15:3 (NIV)
The Why of Life is more important than the What of Life.
We love because he first loved us. 1 John 4:19 (NIV)
- STRONG PEOPLE DEPEND ON OTHERS
Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NIV)
So give encouragement to each other, and keep strengthening one another, as you do already. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NJB)
ACTION PLAN: Call or text one person everyday this week and tell them that you are praying for them that day. Pray for that person, even if it’s just thanking God for them.
- STRONG PEOPLE DISCIPLINE THEIR DESIRES
Some time later, he fell in love with a woman in the Valley of Sorek whose name was Delilah. Judges 16:4 (NIV)
So Delilah said to Samson, “Tell me the secret of your great strength and how you can be tied up and subdued.” Judges 16:6 (NIV)
Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 2 Timothy 2:22 (NIV)
ACTION PLAN: If there are any undisciplined desires in your life right now, find an accountability partner to help you break free from the habit. Remember, we are better together.
4. STRONG PEOPLE TRUST GOD’S SPIRIT
Then she called, “Samson, the Philistines are upon you!” He awoke from his sleep and thought, “I’ll go out as before and shake myself free.” But he did not know that the LORD had left him. Judges 16:20 (NIV)
I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Ephesians 3:16 (NLT)
ACTION PLAN: A daily quiet time will help you develop a habit of praying to God for strength, no matter the circumstances. Set a daily alarm this week to start building the habit of a daily quiet time with God.
- STRONG PEOPLE NEVER GIVE UP
Then the Philistines seized him, gouged out his eyes and took him down to Gaza. Binding him with bronze shackles, they set him to grinding grain in the prison. Judges 16:21 (NIV)
But the hair on his head began to grow again after it had been shaved. Judges 16:22 (NIV)
I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God — this is your true and proper worship. Romans 12:1 (NIV)
. . . Jesus Christ rescued us from this evil world we're in by offering himself as a sacrifice for our sins. Galatians 1:4a (MSG)
DOABLE DISCIPLESHIP: Don’t forget to watch or download this week’s new episode of Doable Discipleship (released on Tuesdays). This week features an interview with Pastor Jim Dobbs about how you can use your creativity to love God with all of your soul. For more information go to saddleback.com/maturity.
