Where Does True Strength Really Come From?

“Be strong.” A lot of people say that when they are going through tough times, but did you know that phrase can actually be misleading? I didn’t realize this until just recently.

Last week, I was in my room, getting ready for bed, minding my own business, listening to some Christian music on Spotify, and a song came on that I had never heard before. It’s a newer song that came out a few months ago, and it’s called “My Arms” by Ledger. For some reason, this song really stood out to me among the others in the playlist, so I decided to play it again and really listen to the lyrics. This is what I heard in the chorus:

“Don’t be afraid, I know you think you’re on your own. But you’ll be ok, you don’t have to go through it alone. Fall into My Arms, fall into My Arms. You’re not the one who needs to be strong, fall into My Arms.”

Those words really stood out to me. I loved the way the lyrics were written as if God Himself were speaking, and I also loved the way she belted out the notes, like the artist was emphasizing how important it is to not be afraid. But the part where it said “you’re not the one who needs to be strong” confused me.

If you know me well, you know that I am an over thinker and worrier. I really wish I wasn't, but it is something I struggle with. Whenever I have felt worried in my life, sometimes I remember hearing, or even telling myself, “It’s ok Megan, just be strong, and everything will be ok.” So when I heard those lyrics, it was kind of like a “wait, what?” moment for me. It was like God was speaking to me through this song, which had never really happened in that specific way before.

I am now so thankful because I realized something very important. We’re not the ones who need to be strong! We don’t have to worry about depending on ourselves to become strong because a Greater God already provides that, we just have to seek it out. We can’t just “be strong.” It doesn’t happen at the drop of a hat, and we can’t provide strength for ourselves. If we need strength, it has to come from God because He is the only true source of spiritual strength (“Jesus Loves Me” — We are weak, but He is strong). But we also have to know that we need to seek Him in order to find that strength, and we can do that by praying and having a conversation with Him, which also grows our relationship with Him.

I know a lot of people are struggling right now in these tough times, but I think it’s cool how this powerful song about not being afraid came out in January of 2020. Maybe God called this artist to write this song at that specific time so it could empower other people all over the world who are also struggling right now. If you decide to give it a listen, maybe it can empower you too. Click this link to check it out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZbBig1FH5Q

So the next time you catch yourself being afraid, and I will do this too, remember that you can depend on God to provide strength for you. He is always happy to help no matter that spiritual or emotional state you’re in, and He will never let you down.

Matthew 6:33

— “Seek the kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need” (NLT).

Lyrics from “Shoulders” by For King and Country

— “I look up to the mountains. Does my strength come from the mountains? No. My strength comes from God; who made Heaven and Earth and the mountains” (see also Psalm 121:1-2).

Isaiah 41:10

— “Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand” (NLT).

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