Upon opening my Bible this morning, I almost laughed as I read a verse that I had actually heard mentioned as I scrolled through some Facebook and Instagram videos the night before. You would think I would get used to this type of thing happening after all these years of studying my Bible and spending time in the Word. But it still amazes me when one specific verse is being brought to my attention, from two totally different sources. The Bible verse is from Joel 3:10(KJV) and says, “…let the weak say, I am strong.” Immediately, I realize that this is not how I typically recite this verse, and I ask myself how it is possible for me to say I am strong in my times of weakness? My logic doesn’t compute that way. In my mind I know that I generally quote this verse as saying “When I am weak, He is Strong,” but that is not what the Bible says.
I sense God teaching me something important and think about the fact that out of that great big Bible, God led me to one particular verse. Surely it is important, don’t you think? I mean, pause with me for a minute and think about how many verses I could have opened up to this morning. Literally speaking, I’ll share some numbers with you from Wikipedia: “There are 23,145 verses in the Old Testament and 7,957 verses in the New Testament. This gives a total of 31,102 verses…” and that is a lot of possible verses, without a doubt!
A Bible Verse that is Often Misquoted ~
I must admit that I have often written and quoted Joel 3:10 incorrectly, and I wonder if you may have too? When this verse comes to my mind, I think of it as: “…when I am weak, He is strong.” It sounds right that way, yet that is not what the Bible says.
This is a favorite verse and comes to my mind often when I am feeling weak, tired, frustrated and just at a loss for direction. So how is it that I say and think of it wrong?
Acknowledging That We Need God Makes Us Strong ~
The message I heard about this topic, and then seeing it again today, has me thinking about the reasons that I misquote this verse, even to myself. Maybe the fact that I know I need God to be my strength in my weakest times, has me admitting He is my strength! Otherwise, maybe it is because when I don’t think I can make it through a situation I’m facing, I know I need His intervention and strength to get me through.
Both things are often true. So it makes sense that my strength comes from knowing that I need God to show up in my moments of distress. So it’s just easier to say that when I am weak, He is strong, because I want to give Him the Glory.
Ultimately, I realize that simply acknowledging my need for God’s help is what inevitably links me to the ability to say, “I am strong!”
It’s Comforting to Know Our Strength Comes from God ~
All too often, I need to remind myself that God is with me, and that He knows every tiny detail of the things taking place in my life. In these times, I go to scripture to find confirmation and encouragement. Taking time out to connect with Him through His Word is undeniably where my strength comes from, and I know that! Yet, life sometimes makes it hard for me to find time to do.
Oftentimes, I am my own worst enemy, as the battle ensues deep within me. My heart is in the right place, and my desire to please God is extremely important to me, but I know I fall short of the goals I’ve set for myself to achieve. Thoughts of things I want to accomplish, and my inability to get it all done, leaves me feeling weak and inadequate. Those feelings do not ever sit well with me!
Inevitably, Choosing to Turn My Bible is Where I Find Comfort ~
As guilty feelings bombard me regarding my shortcomings, the weight of it can get hard to carry. The battle inside my mind is very real as I deal with these unwanted feelings of just not doing enough, or being enough. People who really know me, know that I struggle with this, more often than not. It is not easy to combat the guilty feelings!
Making time to slow things down, grab a cup of coffee, and turn to my Bible is the perfect solution for me. Finding a quiet place, in a tranquil setting helps too! Some of my favorite spots are sitting beside my pool on a warm day, or porch sitting and listening to the sounds of nature. Sensing God’s Presence surrounding me in times like these can be so comforting!
Favorite verses remind me that God knew I would face times of weakness and need His wisdom and discernment. His Word never fails me.
- “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.” 2 Corinthians 12:9
- “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
I found a great article that shares 32 Bible verses about strength and I am adding the link. Please feel free to check it out: https://www.countryliving.com/life/g31990757/bible-verses-about-strength/
“Let the weak say, I am strong.”
In conclusion, I hope we can all agree that it isn’t always easy to think of ourselves as “strong.” It really seems wrong somehow, doesn’t it? However, it is only when we remember that we need God’s strength and acknowledge the fact that He is living inside us, that we can confidently say, “I am strong!”
My strength is not in my abilities, but in His, and the same is true for all believers.
I hope that this encourages you in your times of weakness… God is for you, with you, and He loves you! Let’s spread this truth with hopes of reaching others for Jesus! Share this post, and tell others to follow my page. To God Be The Glory!
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