Strength in His NameSýnishorn

THE TRUE STRONGMAN

The legendary feats of strongmen have been celebrated throughout time, but no one has achieved more accolades than Lithuanian-born powerlifter, Zydrunas Savickas (a.k.a. Big Z) Recognized by many as the strongest man who has ever lived, at 49, BIG Z is still competing -but he has nothing left to prove. He has won the World’s Strongest Man competition four times, the Arnold Strongman Classic eight times, and broken more than 20 world records in strength competition. Boasting 23-inch biceps (compared to an average male’s 13-inch arms), the man with the most powerful arms on earth has deadlifted a record-setting 1,155 pounds – earning him the accolade “greatest strength athlete of all time.”

That kind of overwhelming power that exceeds all others is the image we get of Almighty God from the psalmist who writes, “For (God) has done wonderful things, His right hand and His holy arm have gained the victory for Him.” (Psalm 98:1)

Of all God’s characteristics, His strength has been relied upon to sustain His people through all the ages. When we are weak, He is strong. When we falter, He upholds. When onslaughts assail, He defends. When defeat is sure, He leads to victory. In a word, God fights for His people with unmatched strength (Ex. 14:14).

Coming to understand the nature of God’s strength is the surest way to trust that He will fight for you when you need it most. Through many trials, David learned just what kind of power belongs to God and how God invited David to rely upon Him. In one beautiful psalm, David worshipped the Lord with a compilation song praising the unmatched might of God, revealing six specific facets with six divine names of God. His song is recorded in both 2 Samuel and Psalm 18, but we will quote from the psalm.

“’I love You, O LORD, My Strength.’

The LORD is My Rock and My Fortress and My Deliverer,

My God, My Rock, in whom I take refuge;

My Shield and the Horn of My Salvation, My Stronghold.

I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised,

And I am saved from my enemies.” (Psalm 18:1-3)

David discovered through his experience of seeking God in his weakness that the Lord is able and willing to the strength David needed. Just as he learned to call on the strong names of God, we can find comfort and help when we come to know Him by these names.

Over the next 6 days, we will explore the unique nature of God’s strength found in the six names David reveals: My Strength, My Rock, My Fortress & Stonghold, My Deliverer, My Shield, and Horn of My Salvation. This closer look at the strong names of God, with insights from their Hebrew origins, is not an academic exercise, but a chance to know God more personally so that you might trust Him more fully – and worship Him more thoroughly.

SO, WE CALL ON HIS NAME
Lord, you know that there are areas of my life where I don’t feel that I have what is needed. Sometimes, the weaknesses even cause me to fear and despair. I want to be able to come to you with confidence, knowing that where I am weak, you are strong. Where I am faltering, you will uphold me, and where I am attacked, you will defend me. Give me a teachable heart and an understanding mind to know the truth so that I can confidently call on you, my strong God.

REFLECT

In what areas of your life do you feel you need more strength than what you have to live fully in God’s purposes right now?

What area of weakness do you feel hinders you?

Do you believe that God desires to fight for you and to be your strength?

Continue your discovery of the strong names of God on Day 2.