Scripture for When You Need Strength
The short answer
Philippians 4:13, Isaiah 41:10, Psalm 28:7, Nehemiah 8:10 and 2 Corinthians 12:9 are the strength passages. Philippians 4:13 is the most misquoted: in context Paul is describing how he copes with both plenty and hunger, so it is about endurance in any circumstance rather than achieving anything you attempt.
Strength in Scripture is usually borrowed rather than summoned, and it is usually given for endurance rather than for achievement.
Where to begin
Three passages for a day you need to get through rather than win.
Philippians 4:12-13
I know how to be humbled, and I know also how to abound. In everything and in all things I have learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in need. I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.
Biblical context
Paul is writing from prison, thanking the Philippians for a gift and describing what he has learned about contentment.
Selah’s reflection
Read with verse 12, the all things is about surviving every kind of circumstance, including going without.
2 Corinthians 12:9
He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Most gladly therefore I will rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest on me.
Biblical context
God's reply after Paul asks three times for a thorn in the flesh to be removed.
Selah’s reflection
Weakness is not removed here. It becomes the place the strength is visible.
Psalm 28:7
Yahweh is my strength and my shield. My heart has trusted in him, and I am helped. Therefore my heart greatly rejoices. With my song I will thank him.
Biblical context
A psalm that begins by begging God not to be silent, and turns to thanksgiving partway through.
Selah’s reflection
The rejoicing arrives after the pleading. Both are in the same short psalm.
Further passages
Isaiah 41:10
Don’t you be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.
Biblical context
Spoken to a people in exile with no military or political power left.
Selah’s reflection
The strengthening is something God does to them rather than something they generate.
Nehemiah 8:10
Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to him for whom nothing is prepared, for today is holy to our Lord. Don’t be grieved, for the joy of Yahweh is your strength.”
Biblical context
Said to returned exiles who had just heard the law read aloud and were weeping. They were told to celebrate and to send food to those who had none.
Selah’s reflection
The joy in question was expressed through a shared meal. It was not a mood people were asked to manufacture.
Psalm 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Biblical context
A psalm imagining the collapse of the created order and finding God unshaken within it.
Selah’s reflection
Refuge and strength together: somewhere to hide and something to stand on.
A short prayer
God, I do not have what today requires. I am not asking to feel strong. Carry the part of this that is beyond me.
A question to sit with
What are you trying to be strong for, and who told you that you had to do it alone?
Try Selah
Tell Selah what tonight actually feels like, and it will help you find relevant passages for this moment.
Open the Selah verse finder