If you’re feeling weak, depleted, or like you don’t have what it takes to keep going, the Bible offers more than “try harder.” Scripture reveals that God’s strength is available precisely when yours runs out. You don’t need to be strong on your own. God specializes in making weak people strong.
In this guide, you’ll find 12 carefully selected Bible verses for strength, each with deep commentary to help you understand not just that God is strong, but how His strength becomes yours. These verses will show you how to access supernatural power when you have nothing left.
When You Feel Too Weak to Continue
1. Isaiah 40:29-31
“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but 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.”
Why This Helps
“He gives strength to the weary” directly addresses your current state. You’re not too weak to receive strength. In fact, weariness is the qualification, not a disqualification. God specializes in giving strength precisely to people who are depleted.
“Increases the power of the weak” means God doesn’t just maintain your current level. He increases it. He takes your weakness and amplifies strength beyond your natural capacity. This is supernatural empowerment, not self-improvement.
The progression matters: soar, run, walk. Some days you’re not soaring. That’s okay. Some days you’re not running. That’s okay too. But you can walk. And you won’t faint. God gives enough strength for the next step, even when you can’t see the whole journey.
How to Use This Verse Today
- When you feel too weak to continue, pray: “God, I’m weary. Give me strength. Increase my power.”
- Lower the bar. You don’t have to soar or run. Walking without fainting is enough. What’s the next step you can take?
- Hope as a verb. Choose to trust God’s promises even when you feel nothing.
A Prayer Based on This Verse
“God, I’m exhausted. I feel weak. Give me strength. Increase my power. I’m putting my hope in You. Renew my strength. I don’t need to soar. I just need enough to keep walking without fainting. Sustain me. Amen.”
2. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
Why This Helps
This completely reframes weakness. Paul asked God three times to remove his weakness (a “thorn in the flesh”). God said no. Instead, God said “My power is made perfect in weakness.” Weakness isn’t a problem to fix. It’s the context in which God’s power shines brightest.
“When I am weak, then I am strong” sounds paradoxical, but it’s profound truth. When you’re strong in yourself, you rely on yourself. When you’re weak, you have no choice but to rely on God. And God’s strength in you is far greater than your strength alone.
Paul goes so far as to say he “delights” in weakness. Not because weakness feels good, but because weakness creates space for God’s power. Your weakness isn’t disqualifying you. It’s qualifying you for supernatural strength.
How to Use This Verse Today
- Stop fighting your weakness. Acknowledge it: “I am weak. And that’s okay. God’s power is perfected in my weakness.”
- When you feel inadequate, remember: Your adequacy comes from God’s strength, not your own.
- Pray for God’s power to rest on you in your specific weakness: “God, I’m weak in [area]. Let Your power be perfect in this weakness.”
A Prayer Based on This Verse
“God, I’m weak. I’ve tried to be strong on my own and I can’t. Your grace is sufficient for me. Your power is made perfect in my weakness. I’m not fighting my weakness anymore. Instead, I’m asking Your power to rest on me. When I am weak, make me strong in You. Amen.”
When You Need Strength for a Specific Challenge
3. Philippians 4:13
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
Why This Helps
“I can do all this” isn’t about superhuman ability or achieving your dreams. In context, Paul is saying he can handle any circumstance – plenty or want, abundance or need – through Christ’s strength. You can handle what you’re facing through Christ.
“Through him who gives me strength” is key. Not through your strength. Through Christ’s strength given to you. You’re not doing this alone. Christ is strengthening you specifically for what you’re facing. That strength is renewable – He keeps giving it.
This verse doesn’t promise you can do anything you want. It promises you can do what God calls you to through His strength. If you’re facing it, God will give strength for it. The challenge in front of you isn’t bigger than the strength available to you.
How to Use This Verse Today
- Before facing the hard thing, pray: “I can do this through Christ who gives me strength.”
- When you feel inadequate, add “through Christ” to your statement: “I can’t do this alone, but I can do this through Christ who gives me strength.”
- Receive Christ’s strength as you go. Don’t wait to feel strong. Step forward and receive strength as you move.
A Prayer Based on This Verse
“Jesus, I’m facing [specific challenge]. I can’t do this in my own strength. But I can do this through You who give me strength. Strengthen me for what’s ahead. Give me power beyond my capacity. I’m trusting Your strength, not mine. Amen.”
4. Joshua 1:9
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Why This Helps
God commanded Joshua to “be strong and courageous” right before he led Israel into battle. This wasn’t a suggestion. It was an order. You’re authorized to be strong. You have permission. God Himself has given you this command, which means He’ll also give you the ability to obey it.
“Have I not commanded you?” emphasizes this is a direct order from God. Strength and courage aren’t just things you hope to have. They’re things you’re commanded to walk in. That command carries God’s authority and provision.
The reason you can obey: “The Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Into the scary situation. Into the hard conversation. Into the unknown challenge. Wherever you go, God goes. You’re not doing this alone. That changes everything.
How to Use This Verse Today
- Before facing what intimidates you, speak this as a command to yourself: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid.” You’re authorizing yourself with God’s authority.
- Remind yourself: God is going with you into this situation. He’ll be there before you arrive.
- Strength and courage aren’t feelings. They’re choices. Choose them even when you don’t feel them.
A Prayer Based on This Verse
“God, You’ve commanded me to be strong and courageous. You’ve ordered me not to be afraid. I’m choosing to obey even though I feel weak. You promise to be with me in [specific situation]. Go before me. Walk with me. Give me strength and courage I don’t have. Amen.”
When You’re Spiritually Depleted
5. Psalm 28:7-8
“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. The Lord is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.”
Why This Helps
“The Lord is my strength” declares that strength isn’t something you generate. It’s Someone you access. God Himself is your strength. When you’re depleted, you don’t need to manufacture energy. You need to connect with the source of strength.
“My heart trusts in him, and he helps me” shows the connection: trust → help. When you trust God, He helps. That help includes strength. You’re not trusting that you’ll become strong. You’re trusting that God will be strong for you and through you.
“My heart leaps for joy” describes the result. When you receive God’s strength after being weak, joy follows. Not forced happiness. Real joy that comes from experiencing God’s power when yours was gone. That’s worth praising Him for.
How to Use This Verse Today
- Declare: “The Lord is my strength. I’m not looking to my own reserves. God Himself is my strength.”
- Trust Him specifically: “God, I trust You to help me with [specific challenge]. Be my strength.”
- When you experience God’s strength, let joy and praise flow naturally. That reinforces faith for next time.
A Prayer Based on This Verse
“Lord, You are my strength and my shield. My heart trusts in You. Help me. I need Your strength for [situation]. Be the strength I don’t have. When You help me, my heart will leap for joy and I will praise You. Be my fortress. Amen.”
6. Ephesians 3:16
“I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being.”
Why This Helps
This is Paul’s prayer for believers: that God would “strengthen you with power.” Not just a little boost. Power. Supernatural, Holy Spirit power. And not just physical strength, but strength “in your inner being” – your spirit, your core, your deepest self.
“Out of his glorious riches” means God’s resources for strengthening you are limitless. He’s not giving from lack. He’s giving from infinite riches. There’s no ceiling on how much strength He can provide.
“Through his Spirit” clarifies the source. The Holy Spirit living in you is the power source. You’re not disconnected from power. You have the Spirit. When you feel weak, you can pray: “Holy Spirit, strengthen me. Release power in my inner being.”
How to Use This Verse Today
- Pray this verse for yourself: “God, strengthen me with power through Your Spirit in my inner being.”
- When you feel spiritually depleted, remember: The Holy Spirit lives in you. The power source is internal, not external.
- Ask for strength from God’s “glorious riches,” not from your limited resources.
A Prayer Based on This Verse
“God, out of Your glorious riches, strengthen me with power through Your Spirit. I need inner strength. Fortify my spirit. Empower me from the inside out. Holy Spirit, release Your power in me. Make me strong where I’m weak. Amen.”
When You Need Courage and Strength
7. Deuteronomy 31:6
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Why This Helps
“Be strong and courageous” comes with a promise: God goes with you. You’re not doing this alone. Strength and courage are possible because you have divine companionship. Whatever “them” is in your life (people, circumstances, challenges), you’re not facing them alone.
“He will never leave you nor forsake you” is emphatic in Hebrew – “not never ever.” There’s no scenario where God abandons you. Even if you fail. Even if you’re weak. Even if you mess up. God doesn’t leave. That unshakeable presence is the foundation for courage and strength.
This command acknowledges real threats (“do not be afraid or terrified because of them”), but says fear shouldn’t control you because God’s presence is greater than the threat. You’re stronger than you think because God is with you.
How to Use This Verse Today
- Before doing the thing that scares you, pray: “God, be strong and courageous for me. I don’t have it on my own. You go with me.”
- Remind yourself: The challenge doesn’t change whether God is with me. He’ll be with me whether it goes well or terribly.
- Picture God walking beside you into the situation. Because He is.
A Prayer Based on This Verse
“God, I need strength and courage for [specific situation]. You go with me. You’ll never leave me even if I fail. Based on Your presence, I’m choosing courage and strength over fear and weakness. Fortify me. Amen.”
8. Psalm 18:32-33
“It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, enabling me to stand on the heights.”
Why This Helps
“God who arms me with strength” uses military imagery. God equips you like a soldier going into battle. He doesn’t send you into challenges unarmed. He arms you with His strength as your weapon and armor.
“Keeps my way secure” means God doesn’t just give strength once. He keeps giving it. He secures your path as you go. You’re not relying on strength that runs out. God continuously secures your way.
“Enabling me to stand on the heights” is about stability in difficult places. Deer can stand on mountain ledges where other animals would fall. God gives you supernatural ability to stand in places where you’d naturally be unstable. He makes you sure-footed even on difficult terrain.
How to Use This Verse Today
- Ask God to arm you: “God, arm me with strength for what I’m facing today.”
- Trust that He keeps your way secure: “God is securing my path. I don’t have to figure out every step.”
- When you feel unstable, remember: God makes you sure-footed even on difficult terrain.
A Prayer Based on This Verse
“God, arm me with strength. Keep my way secure. I’m facing [difficult situation], and I need You to make me sure-footed. Enable me to stand where I’d normally fall. Give me stability and strength beyond my natural capacity. Amen.”
When You’re Tired of Fighting
9. Psalm 46:1
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
Why This Helps
“Refuge and strength” covers both defense and offense. God is your refuge when you need safety, and your strength when you need power to keep fighting. Whatever you need – protection or power – God provides.
“Ever-present help” means God is always available. Not sometimes. Not when you deserve it. Always. Right now. In this moment of weakness. He’s present and He’s helping even when you can’t see how.
“In trouble” means God shows up specifically when things are hard. You’re not bothering Him by being in trouble. That’s exactly when He positions Himself as refuge and strength. Your trouble is His invitation to show His power.
How to Use This Verse Today
- When you’re tired, identify what you need: refuge (safety/rest) or strength (power to continue)? Ask God for that specifically.
- Remember: God is ever-present. He’s helping right now even if you don’t feel it.
- Stop trying to be strong alone. Run to God as your refuge. Access Him as your strength.
A Prayer Based on This Verse
“God, You are my refuge and my strength. I’m tired of fighting. I need [refuge or strength or both]. You’re an ever-present help. I know You’re here right now helping me even when I can’t see it. Be what I need. Amen.”
10. Nehemiah 8:10
“Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Why This Helps
“The joy of the Lord is your strength” reveals a surprising source of strength: joy. Not happiness dependent on circumstances. The joy that comes from knowing God, from His presence, from His character. That joy becomes strength.
This verse was spoken to people who were grieving and weak. God didn’t say “stop being sad.” He said “don’t grieve” in the sense of “don’t stay stuck there.” Instead, access the joy found in the Lord. That joy will fortify you.
When you’re depleted, seeking joy in God might seem counterintuitive. But this verse says joy and strength are connected. As you remember God’s goodness, celebrate His faithfulness, and delight in His presence, strength follows.
How to Use This Verse Today
- When you’re weak, don’t focus on your depletion. Focus on reasons to find joy in God: His character, His promises, His past faithfulness.
- Make a list: “Things about God that bring me joy.” Meditate on those. Let joy kindle strength.
- Pray: “God, I need strength. Give me joy in You that becomes my strength.”
A Prayer Based on This Verse
“God, I’m weak and tired. But the joy of the Lord is my strength. Help me find joy in You – in Your character, Your faithfulness, Your presence. Let that joy become my strength. Lift my spirit. Fortify me through joy. Amen.”
11. Psalm 73:26
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
Why This Helps
“My flesh and my heart may fail” is brutally honest. The psalmist acknowledges he’s failing. Physically and emotionally depleted. If you feel like you’re failing, you’re in good company. This is a biblical acknowledgment of human limitation.
“But God is the strength of my heart” provides the contrast. Yes, you’re failing. But God isn’t. God is the strength of your heart – your core, your center, your deepest self. When everything else fails, God remains your strength.
“Forever” means this doesn’t expire. God doesn’t stop being your strength when you keep being weak. He’s not impatient with your ongoing weakness. He remains your strength forever, no matter how many times you need Him.
How to Use This Verse Today
- Acknowledge your failure honestly: “My flesh and heart are failing. I’m depleted.”
- Then add God’s truth: “But God is the strength of my heart. He doesn’t fail.”
- When you feel like you keep failing, remember: God’s role as your strength doesn’t expire. It’s forever.
A Prayer Based on This Verse
“God, my flesh and heart are failing. I’m depleted physically and emotionally. But You are the strength of my heart. You don’t fail when I do. You’re my portion forever. Be my strength again today. Amen.”
12. Isaiah 41:10
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Why This Helps
“Do not fear, for I am with you” connects courage to God’s presence. Fear loses its power when you remember God is with you. You’re not alone in your weakness. The Creator of the universe is present with you.
“I will strengthen you and help you” contains three promises: strengthen, help, uphold. God doesn’t just give strength and leave. He helps you use it. And He upholds you so you don’t fall. Complete support.
“My righteous right hand” represents God’s power and authority. The same hand that created the universe, parted the Red Sea, and raised Jesus from the dead – that hand upholds you. Your weakness is held by omnipotent strength.
How to Use This Verse Today
- When fear rises, counter it: “Do not fear, for God is with me.”
- Claim God’s three promises: “God will strengthen me, help me, and uphold me.”
- Visualize God’s righteous right hand holding you up. You’re supported by infinite power.
A Prayer Based on This Verse
“God, I will not fear because You are with me. I will not be dismayed because You are my God. Strengthen me. Help me. Uphold me with Your righteous right hand. I’m trusting Your power, not mine. Amen.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Bible Verses for Strength
What if I don’t feel any stronger after praying?
Strength isn’t always a feeling. Sometimes it’s just the ability to take the next step. You might not feel powerful, but if you’re still standing, God is strengthening you. Also, strength often comes as you move, not before. Step forward in faith, and strength follows.
Is it wrong to feel weak?
No. Weakness is human. Even Jesus experienced weakness (exhaustion, hunger, thirst). What matters is what you do with weakness. Do you try to power through alone, or do you turn to God as your strength? Weakness acknowledged becomes opportunity for God’s power.
How do I access God’s strength practically?
Pray and ask for it specifically. Read and speak Scripture about strength. Stop trying to be strong alone – that’s pride. Take the next step even when you feel weak. Rest when God prompts rest (sometimes strength comes through rest). Connect with other believers who can pray for you.
Can I be too weak for God to use?
No. God specializes in using weak people. Moses was old. Gideon was cowardly. David was young. Jeremiah was inexperienced. Paul had a “thorn in the flesh.” Your weakness doesn’t disqualify you. It often qualifies you for God’s power.
What’s the difference between God’s strength and just pushing through?
Pushing through is white-knuckling it in your own power until you collapse. God’s strength is supernatural power that sustains you beyond your natural capacity. You can tell the difference: if you’re getting more depleted, it’s your strength. If you’re sustained despite circumstances, it’s God’s.
How long will I need to keep asking for strength?
As long as you’re facing challenges. This isn’t a one-time prayer. It’s ongoing dependence. Paul called it “moment by moment” reliance on God. Don’t feel bad about needing strength daily. That’s how God designed it – daily bread, daily strength.
What if I keep feeling weak no matter how much I pray?
Consider whether you need rest (physical exhaustion requires physical rest), you need medical help (chronic weakness might need a doctor), God is teaching you to rely on Him rather than feel strong, or your expectations need adjusting (strength might mean endurance, not invincibility).
How to Use These Verses Daily
Morning Declaration: Start each day declaring: “God is my strength today. I can do what He calls me to through His power.”
Throughout the Day: Keep one strength verse on your phone. When you feel weak, read it. Pray it. Take the next step trusting God’s strength.
Evening Reflection: Review the day. Identify one moment where God’s strength showed up. Thank Him. This builds faith for tomorrow.
Long-Term: Memorize these verses. When weakness hits, you’ll have truth ready to counter it immediately.
Related Topics
Need strength or want to dig deeper? Explore these related topics:
- Bible Verses About Courage
- Bible Verses About Peace
- Bible Verses About Hope
- Bible Verses About Fear
- Bible Verses About Anxiety
Remember: God’s power is made perfect in weakness. You don’t need to be strong on your own. His strength is available precisely when yours runs out.
“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” — Isaiah 40:29