JULY 31 - Strong in the Lord
3-Year-Bible Reading: Proverbs 20:29-30; Psalms 87; Colossians 3-4
________________________________________
“The glory of young men is their strength, but the splendor of old men is their gray hair. Blows that wound cleanse away evil; strokes make clean the innermost parts.” — Proverbs 20:29-30
“Glorious things of you are spoken, O city of God.” — Psalms 87:3
“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” — Colossians 3:12-13
________________________________________
When you’re young, there’s a lot of attention placed on strength, energy, and what you’re capable of doing. Proverbs 20:29 talks about how the strength of youth is something to be proud of, but it also reminds us that strength can come with responsibility. You’re not just strong to show off, but to help others and grow into the person God has made you to be. But this strength doesn’t just come from muscles or energy—it’s also found in your character and your ability to love and forgive, which Colossians 3:12-13 emphasizes. God calls you to be strong in the ways that matter most: kindness, patience, humility, and compassion.
In Psalms 87, we are reminded of the importance of belonging to God’s family, His kingdom. Just like the city of God is glorious, so are those who belong to Him. Your strength is not just for your own glory, but to serve God’s bigger purpose. God’s glory shines through in your life when you act with love, humility, and grace, reflecting His goodness and bringing glory to Him.
________________________________________
THINK ABOUT IT
1. What does it mean to be strong in the Lord? Think about how your strength isn’t just physical. How can you show strength through kindness and patience?
2. How does forgiveness fit into your strength? In Colossians 3:13, we are called to forgive others just like God forgives us. Why is forgiveness a sign of strength rather than weakness?
3. Belonging to God’s kingdom: Psalms 87 reminds us that being part of God’s family is a glorious thing. How does knowing that change the way you see yourself and your purpose in life?
________________________________________
BOTTOM LINE
True strength comes from being rooted in Christ. It’s about more than what you can do on your own; it’s about showing the love, patience, and forgiveness that reflects who God is. You are called to be a part of something greater—God’s kingdom—and in that, you can stand strong, not just in body, but in spirit.
________________________________________
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank You for making me strong, not only in my body but in my heart and spirit. Help me to be strong in kindness, humility, and forgiveness, reflecting Your love to others. Guide me in using my strength for Your glory, and help me to remember that I belong to You, part of Your kingdom. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
