How to Access God’s Strength

Real talk—life isn’t easy.

We all face days when the weight of our circumstances feels like too much to carry. But here’s the good news: God’s strength is not just a vague hope or a distant possibility. It’s a promise—one that’s meant to be received, not just admired from afar. Throughout Scripture, God’s reputation is clear: He is the Lord who gives strength to His people. Psalm 29:11 says, “The LORD gives his people strength; the LORD blesses his people with peace.”

You might be wondering, “If God’s strength is promised, why don’t I always feel it?” Here’s the hard truth: God’s promises are available to us, but they aren’t automatic. Receiving His strength isn’t like a divine download that just happens while we’re on autopilot. There’s a part we play in accessing what God has already made available.

But there is a trap that depletes our ability to receive God’s strength… complaining.

Let me be honest—complaining comes easy, especially when life gets hard. We tell ourselves we’re just venting, but often it’s simply a way to dress up our frustration. Here’s what I’ve learned: complaining and God’s strength can’t occupy the same space in your soul at the same time. When we fixate on our hardships, our hearts drift from the true source of strength.

We live in a culture conditioned to respond with outrage or victimhood. But God offers a better way. Philippians 4:13 reminds us, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” The focus isn’t on the problem, but on the Person—Jesus, who empowers us.

Now, don’t get me wrong—there’s a place for pouring out your heart to God (Psalm 62:8). But see it as a sequence: pour out your heart, then listen for the invitation deep within to acknowledge, “Strength belongs to God” (Psalm 62:11) That’s the turning point. We vent and say what we need to say, then we let God’s word have his turn. That’s when we move from complaining to receiving his strength.

woman sitting on concrete floor reading book

How to Receive God’s Strength

What do we do when the urge to complain creeps in? We invoke God’s strength by doing the following:

Pause and grab hold of a promise from God’s Word.
Let His truth anchor you instead of rehearsing your problems.
Declare God’s faithfulness aloud: “Lord, your word says you give strength to your people. I welcome your strength. I receive your strength. I need your strength. I wait for your strength. I praise you for your strength!”

Here’s a challenge: the next time you feel the urge to complain, stop and speak out a scripture instead. Let God’s truth fill the space where complaints used to live. You’ll find His strength rising up in you.

Psalm 105:4 says, “Seek the Lord and His strength. Seek His face always.” God’s strength isn’t just potentially available—it’s a codified promise. It’s like a check waiting to be cashed. God will always give His strength to those who seek Him and wait on Him.

The promise is His strength, not the specific form it will take.

Sometimes God’s strength will help you PREVAIL OVER your situation; other times, his strength will help you PERSEVERE THROUGH it.

I get it. We want the “prevail over” strength every time. And I believe God is more willing to impart that kind of strength in us and over our lives! However, his faithfulness is not compromised if the form of his strength is the kind that helps anchor us and helps us endure a particular hardship or trial.

Whichever form it comes in, his strength is a promised benefit of being a believer, so cash it in by seeking Him.

person with black and red tattoo on right hand

Practical Steps to Receive His Strength Daily

Make declarations of who God is: “God, You are my refuge. You are my strength. You are faithful.” There are a litany of options! And Scripture only stokes our ideas and bolsters our confidence. When you declare God’s character, you’re not just stating facts—you’re enforcing the Kingdom of God over your life.
Refuse to let complaints take root. Replace them with praise and scripture.
Seek Him daily. Don’t wait for a crisis. Make receiving His strength a daily habit.

God’s strength is not a luxury for the spiritually elite—it’s a promise for every believer. Don’t let it sit on the shelf. Receive it. Declare it. Walk in it. God’s strength is available to you today—reach out and take hold of the promise.

This Week's Sermon

Written by Brayden Brookshier

Brayden Brookshier is the Campus Pastor at Newbreak Church Ocean Beach. Enthusiasm is his superpower. Along with pastoring, he is passionate about getting people to be fully alive to the wonder of walking with God. Praying bold prayers and taking bold steps of faith energize him. You can find Brayden, his wife, Ariana, and his son, Kairo, and daughter, Ember, enjoying the great outdoors together. Brayden would love to connect with you and see how you can find your place at Newbreak! Check out his most recent book on Amazon, Flash Theology.

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