Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 That is the first verse that came to mind along with the song. But real strength, Christ-centered strength is a hard calling. First, it does not call you to be a doormat. You must speak the TRUTH. God tells us how.

Let all be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted and humble in spirit; not returning evil for evil, or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead. 1Peter 3:8

Do you ever have trouble with ANTS: Automatic Negative Thoughts?

Does it come out when you’re driving? How about a neighbors junkie yard? How about when you see an unruly child or parent? How come there is never anything good on TV? Why are they dressed like that in public? (I have more but I will stop.) Ant bites sting. Too many bites, then a volcano of emotions are likely to erupt.

Being strong in the Lord means so many different things. It takes strength to trust the Lord with your wayward child. It takes practice to turn a kind word when you feel angry. It’s hard not to desire that evil gets repaid and wait on the Lord to be the judge. It takes prayer to walk humble with our God. It takes a powerful amount of trust, when you are blinded and cannot see the way.

For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous and HIs ears attend to their prayers. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil. I Peter 3:12

How are you Strong in the Lord? It comes in so many different ways.