In her new single, “Strong,” country Christian artist Anne Wilson sings about something we all find out to be accurate at one point or another: life can be hard sometimes. And if the trials of life were not difficult enough, we often feel the added pressure of having to put on a face and pretend to be okay when we’re not.
By the time the song’s chorus comes around, Anne realizes something, and so do you and me. We cannot navigate life alone, even through its simplest moments, let alone its challenges. And, we don’t have to be strong in our own strength. Instead, it’s leaning on Jesus, and He’s the one who makes us strong through His strength working in us.
It reminds me of Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 12:8-10 about a struggle in his own life: “Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time, he said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.’ So now I’m glad to boast about my weaknesses so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”’
Here’s what I’m grateful for. God’s Word doesn’t say, “If you’re having a hard time in life and you’re overwhelmed, stuff it down and pretend to have it all together.” (By the way, I’m good at stuffing things down and pretending I have it all together—until I’m not. You too?) In the Bible, we see verses like these:
Psalm 56:3 (NLT): When I am afraid, I will trust in you.
Psalm 61:2 (NLT): I cry to you when my heart is overwhelmed.
Psalm 62:8 (NLT): O my people, trust in Him always. Pour out your heart to Him, for God is our refuge.
God’s Word invites us to run to Jesus with our burdens and emotions. Can I encourage you today? You don’t have to be strong on your own. When you are weak, then you are strong because His strength is made perfect in your weakness.
Lyrics
Strong, trying to make ’em all think I’m strong Yeah, the face I keep putting on says I ain’t tired But these tear-stained eyes ain’t lying ’Cause hard, nobody told me life could be so hard A weary soul with a worn-out heart that’s barely beating But every time I get that feeling
I hit my knees with my hands held high Saying, “Dear Lord, Jesus, you know I can’t do this on my own I can’t do this on my own” Lord knows I’ve tried, but I’m good at falling down Thank God you’re good at picking me up off the ground The world’s gonna try to break me But I know the one who makes me Strong
This article was originally published on KTSY.org.
NRT contributor Jasmin Patterson is a lifelong Christian music fan passionate about helping others connect with Christ. She lives in Kansas City, serves in college ministry, and runs a blog to help seekers and believers discover and live biblical Christianity.
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