But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.
Bible Verses About Strength
The Bible's most famous verse about strength — Philippians 4:13, 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me' — is often quoted out of context. Paul wrote it from prison, and he was speaking specifically about contentment: the ability to be at peace whether in plenty or in want. The strength he describes is not the strength to accomplish anything you want, but the strength to endure whatever comes.
This reframing matters because Scripture's view of strength is consistently counterintuitive. God's power, Paul says in 2 Corinthians 12:9, 'is made perfect in weakness.' Elijah — the prophet who called down fire from heaven — collapsed under a tree after fleeing Jezebel and asked God to let him die. God's response was food, rest, and gentle questioning. Strength in the Bible is rarely heroic self-sufficiency. It is more often the quiet decision to keep trusting when everything pushes back.
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My right hand of righteousness.
But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me.
Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
Then Nehemiah told them, “Go and eat what is rich, drink what is sweet, and send out portions to those who have nothing prepared, since today is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.
Seek out the LORD and His strength; seek His face always.
The LORD is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise Him, my father’s God, and I will exalt Him.
God is my strong fortress and He makes my way clear.
GOD the Lord is my strength; He makes my feet like those of a deer; He makes me walk upon the heights! For the choirmaster. With stringed instruments.
Finding Strength in Weakness
If you are depleted — emotionally, physically, or spiritually — the Bible's counsel is not to try harder. Look at God's response to Elijah in 1 Kings 19:5–8: he was given food and rest before he was given a task. Ask for what you actually need. Pray simply: 'I am weak. I need your strength.' Then act on whatever small next step is available. Strength in Scripture is often given for one step at a time, not for the whole road at once.
Frequently Asked Questions About Strength
What does Philippians 4:13 really mean?
Philippians 4:13 — 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me' — is set in the context of Paul learning contentment in all circumstances (verse 11). The 'all things' refers to enduring both plenty and need, not to achieving any personal goal. The strength is for perseverance through whatever God allows, not for unlimited accomplishment.
What Bible verse is about finding strength in God?
Isaiah 40:31 is the classic promise: 'Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.' Psalm 46:1 is another: 'God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.' Nehemiah 8:10 gives the simple declaration: 'The joy of the Lord is your strength.'
Is it okay to feel weak as a Christian?
Yes — and the Bible expects it. 2 Corinthians 12:9–10 shows Paul boasting in his weaknesses because that is where Christ's power rests on him. David expresses profound weakness throughout the Psalms. Even Jesus, in Gethsemane, said his soul was 'overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.' Weakness does not disqualify you from strength; it is the very condition in which God's strength is most visible.