What kind of Strength do you have?

TODAY’S PROVERB: In the fear of ADONAI one has strong confidence. It will be a refuge for His children. Proverbs 14:26

Okay, my friends. Bear with me on this one. I’ve meditated on this one for awhile, but frankly, I may need more time. You’ll be able to tell me by the end of this blog.

When I read this proverb some time ago, there was something about the word, strong. “Strong confidence” made me think of those muscle builders. The men and women who invest years and thousands of dollars on bulking up their bodies. Is that the type of “strong” God is speaking of?

I wondered — other than competition or portraying a superhero, what good is that type of strength? All that work for what exactly? To open a few stubborn jars?

Then, I wondered again — do we do that? I mean, not with weights or equipment or gym memberships, but with things we think will increase our “strong confidence?” Word studies. Bible Studies. Random Bible readings. Services. Prayer meetings.

All of those things are good, but I think the author of this chapter was saying something different. It’s the fear of ADONAI that strengthens us. When we fear the Lord, we hate evil. We love what He loves. We seek what’s important to Him. We live our life — our ordinary, extraordinary lives in truth.

That made me think of the everyday workers. The moms who lift heavy groceries and toddlers. The farmers who muck stalls and repair their tractors. The lawyers who carry the burdens of their clients. This is a different type of strength. Not obvious from the outside, but very real when needed.

It made me think of those everyday heroes who daily choose to live their lives with integrity and a mindful eye on God’s word. They have a different type of strength and endurance. No fancy equipment required. Just life lived with His wisdom, discernment, knowledge, and understanding. That repetitive light exercise keeps them strong and fit. Practical strength.

It’s those souls who walk in a quiet, strong confidence of who God is and who they are as His child. They live their precious moments in gratitude and hope and joy.

Building up this type of strength comes from living God’s word — living God’s wisdom. It comes from experience with purpose.

Learning how to fear the LORD comes from reading God’s word everyday. And living it is a different type of strong confidence. It’s the confidence that will see us through any challenge, every hour of everyday. There are no tricks or shortcuts.

We can look like we’re strong, or we can be strong. Which would you choose?

Proverbs 14:26, Tree of Life Bible Society, Tree of Life Version – TLV #tlvbible#tlvproverbs