Hymns about Strength

Strength in Scripture is first of all the Lord's. The psalmist says the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Human power fades, but they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. Hymns of strength confess dependence: they ask for might in the inner man and celebrate the God who girds His people with power for obedience and endurance.

Christian strength is not bluster. It is often perfected in weakness, as the apostle learned when he heard that divine strength is made perfect in weakness. Hymnody on this subject therefore joins petition with praise, naming both frailty and the Helper. Themes of courage, refuge, and trust frequently appear nearby, for the strong in the Lord are those who have learned where strength is found.

These songs serve well at the opening of demanding seasons, in prayers for the sick and the aged, and whenever a congregation faces work that exceeds its resources. In youth they teach early reliance; in later years they become testimony. Private use turns exhaustion into asking, and asking into quiet confidence.

To sing of strength is to refuse despair without denying need. May these hymns point continually to the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth, who fainteth not, neither is weary, and who giveth power to the faint.