“The bows of the mighty are broken, but the feeble gird on strength.” (1 Samuel 2:4)
Read 1 Samuel 2:1–10.
Gird. Now there’s a word you don’t hear too often these days. I did a quick Google to check my understanding. It means: “Encircle with a belt or band prepare oneself for something challenging.”
Ephesians 6:14 says, “Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness” (NKJV).
What about “feeble”? No-one really wants to own up to that, do they? (Though, being 75+ in age can remind one of the meaning for that word.) That physical weakness aspect of “feeble” is just part of it, though. Our world demands we celebrate success and strength, so you can find yourself trying to hide your frailties and cover up your flaws, in case anyone thinks you’re feeble.
Then, if you’re a Christian, you have to put up with people accusing you of needing “a crutch” and saying you lack the courage to handle things on your own.
Today, in our chaotic world, the confessing words in litury: The humbling “I, a poor, miserable sinner …” actually give me great hope and strength. Back then, they were words to just get over and done with. Now, the online experts and influencers would label that confession damaging to self-esteem.
It takes courage to admit you’re weak. Feeble. Especially when we’re facing “something difficult or challenging”.
Sources of comfort may be found in Bible passages such as the following:
Romans 5:6: “For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.”
Hebrews 2:14-18: “Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For indeed He does not give aid to angels, but He does give aid to the seed of Abraham. Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.”
And, Hebrews 4:16: “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
We are free to be feeble because God is our strength.
Yes, I know that’s one of those messages you see printed on bookmarks and stitched on wall hangings, and it can feel a bit cliché and too easy a way to offer comfort. Yet, admitting you’re feeble brings freedom, too. You’re free to ask for help. Freed to accept it. It’s a step of faith to surrender — not to the enemy or the world or to our ego and insecurity, but to God our Father. Surrendering means we can step back and marvel as God does the girding, while you and I do the gurgling, as child-like, we accept the strength that God offers.
There’s nothing feeble about that.
Prayer
Lord, the world demands I be more than I can possibly be; sets standards even the strongest can’t achieve. So, in my weakness, I simply surrender to You. Be my strength as You set me free to be feeble. Amen.
Stay encouraged!
Pastor Mike
