What does "give Your strength to Your servant" reveal about God's provision?

Setting of the Verse

Psalm 86 records David crying out in a moment of distress. In verse 16 he pleads, “Turn to me and have mercy; give Your strength to Your servant; save the son of Your maidservant”. David is weary, pressed by enemies, and keenly aware that his own resources cannot secure deliverance.

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Understanding “Give Your Strength to Your Servant”

• “Your strength” points to power that belongs to God alone—uncreated, unlimited, undefeatable.

• “To Your servant” highlights David’s dependence; he possesses no adequate strength in himself.

• The request is direct: God is asked not merely to help but to impart His own might into David’s situation.

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What God’s Strength Looks Like

• Sustaining power in weakness – “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak” (Isaiah 40:29).

• Inner fortitude – “That He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being” (Ephesians 3:16).

• Victorious enabling – “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13).

• Grace-fueled resilience – “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

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How This Reveals God’s Provision

• Personal involvement: God does not delegate aid; He supplies His own strength.

• Abundance: His strength is not rationed—He gives freely and fully.

• Reliability: Divine power never falters; therefore His provision is constant.

• Covenant care: Calling himself “servant” underscores a relationship in which God assumes responsibility for His own.

• Transformative impact: God’s strength does more than rescue; it shapes character, forging greater trust and endurance.

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Living Out the Truth Today

• Admit need—like David, honestly acknowledge insufficiency.

• Ask specifically—pray for God to impart His strength rather than merely to improve circumstances.

• Trust His sufficiency—stand on promises such as Isaiah 41:10 and 2 Timothy 4:17.

• Act in faith—step forward expecting divine empowerment, not self-generated effort.

• Testify—share how God’s strength has met you, encouraging others to seek the same provision.

David’s cry, “give Your strength to Your servant,” teaches that God’s provision is His own inexhaustible power, graciously poured into the lives of those who belong to Him—yesterday, today, and always.