Biblical Principle of Strength in Times of Need
The biblical principle of strength in times of need is rooted in the understanding that God is the source of strength and comfort for believers. According to 2 Corinthians 12:10, "when I am weak, then am I strong" [1]. This paradoxical statement by the Apostle Paul highlights the idea that human weakness can be a catalyst for divine strength.
The Bible encourages believers to draw near to God in times of need, promising that they will receive mercy and find grace for help (Hebrews 4:16) [2]. This promise is echoed in various biblical passages that exhort believers to trust in God's power and presence during times of affliction. For instance, Isaiah 35:3 encourages the exhausted and feeble, while Psalms 71:9 pleads with God not to forsake the psalmist in old age when strength fails.
The Reformed tradition, as represented by John Calvin, interprets Isaiah's message as a call to magnify God's power in times of weakness, thereby encouraging believers to trust in His assistance [5]. Similarly, John Gill, a Baptist/Reformed commentator, notes that God's strength is made perfect in weakness, and that believers are strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man (Ephesians 3:16) [6].
The biblical principle of strength in times of need is not limited to individual believers but is also applicable to the community of faith. The prophet Haggai is exhorted to be strong in the Lord's presence, with the assurance that "I am with you" (Haggai 2:4) [7]. This divine presence is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, with passages like Psalms 46:5 and Isaiah 43:2 affirming God's presence with His people in times of affliction.
The sources of strength for believers in times of need are multifaceted. Torrey's Topical Textbook highlights the importance of steadfastness, which is secured by God's power, presence, and the intercession of Christ [3]. Additionally, the compassion and sympathy of Christ are seen as essential to His priestly office, providing comfort and support to believers in their afflictions [4].
Sources
- 2 Corinthians “Therefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in injuries, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then am I strong. -- 2 Corinthians 12:10”
- Hebrews “Let us therefore draw near with boldness to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, and may find grace for help in time of need. -- Hebrews 4:16”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Steadfastness — Exhibited by God in all his purposes and ways -- Nu 23:19; Da 6:26; Jas 1:17. Commanded -- Php 4:1; 2Th 2:15; Jas 1:6-8. Godliness necessary to -- Job 11:13-15. Secured by The power of God. -- Ps 55:22; 62:2; 1Pe 1:5; Jude 1:24. The presence of God. -- Ps 16:8. Trust in God. -- Ps 26:1. The intercession of Christ. -- Lu 22:31,32. A characteristic of saints -- Job 17:9; Joh 8:31. Should be manifested In cleaving to God. -- De 10:20; Ac 11:23. In the work of the Lord. -- 1Co 15:58. In continuing in the Apostles' doctrine. -- Ac 2:42. In holding fast our”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Compassion and Sympathy of Christ, The — Necessary to his priestly office -- Heb 5:2,7. Manifested for the Weary and heavy-laden. -- Mt 11:28-30. Weak in faith. -- Isa 40:11; 42:3; Mt 12:20. Tempted. -- Heb 2:18. Afflicted. -- Lu 7:13; Joh 11:33,35. Diseased. -- Mt 14:14; Mr 1:41. Poor. -- Mr 8:2. Perishing sinners. -- Mt 9:36; Lu 19:41; Joh 3:16. An encouragement to prayer -- Heb 4:15.”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Isaiah, Vol. 3, section 8.45: to God to give assistance to those who were thus exhausted and weakened. He therefore magnifies the power of God on this ground, that they may conclude and believe that they ought not to doubt of their salvation so long as they enjoy his favor. It was indeed to the people who were held captive in Babylon that the Prophet looked; but we ought also to apply this doctrine to ourselves, that whenever our strength shall fail, and we shall be almost laid low, we may call to remembrance that the Lord stretches out his hand “to the faint,” who are si”
- Ephesians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Ephesians 3:15: That he would grant you according to the riches of his glory,.... Or according to, and out of that rich, plenteous, and glorious fulness of grace and strength in Christ Jesus. To be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; this is the petition which the apostle puts up on his bended knees to the Father of Christ, that he would strengthen these saints, that so they might not faint at the tribulations which either he or they endured. Believers in Christ need fresh supplies of strength to enable them to exercise grace, to perform duties, to resist Sat”
- Haggai (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Haggai 2:4: be strong . . . for I am with you--The greatest strength is to have Jehovah with us as our strength. Not in man's "might," but in that of God's Spirit (Zac 4:6).”