READ: EXODUS 15:2-3; PSALMS 46:1-3; 59:16-17; EPHESIANS 1:15-23

In life, I tend to approach a problem thinking I can handle it all by myself, like a toddler taking on a task that’s obviously too big for them. I think, “I know tons of things—I can reason my way out of this mess, and I don’t need anyone’s help. I can do this, right?”

Unfortunately, reality sets in as I try to solve everything and I discover that I am not strong enough to put my world to rights. I am a fallible human with limited resources and a small amount of strength. If I rely on myself and my own strength to get through things, then I will end up crushed by the troubles of life. I need someone who’s bigger than me and my world to take care of the trials infiltrating it.

When we try to solve everything in our own strength, we are doomed to fail. But when we recognize that God is the only one strong enough to calm the storms in life, then something amazing happens. Once we’ve put our trust in Jesus, God gives us His strength so we can bear—and even overcome—the trials.

When Jesus was on earth, His strength was evident when He healed people and performed miracles. It was this divine power that changed people’s lives and raised Jesus from the dead. And that same power lives in us through the Holy Spirit! As Christians, God’s strength is something we can rely on. And when we do, it changes our lives for good. • Morgan A. Mitchell

• When are you tempted to rely on your own strength? Why do you think that is?

• Relying on God’s strength might look like reading the Bible to find wisdom and guidanceabout your situation, telling God how you feel, asking Him for help throughout the day, turning to other believers for help and support, praising God with songs, and resting in His presence. What are some ways you could implement at least one of these practices in your life?

• When we rely on God’s strength, that doesn’t always mean our trials will resolve in the ways we want them to. But it does mean that His strength is with us in the midst of our trials. We can know that He sees us, He loves us, and He cares about what we’re going through. And, one day, Jesus will return to raise us from the dead and put the whole world to rights, getting rid of sin and brokenness forever. How can these truths encourage us in the midst of our trials?

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. Psalm 28:7 (NIV)