How does Psalm 71:16 connect with Ephesians 6:10 about God's strength? Setting the Scene • Psalm 71:16: “I will come with the mighty deeds of the Lord GOD; I will proclaim Your righteousness, Yours alone.” • Ephesians 6:10: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.” Both writers—David in the psalm and Paul in the epistle—anchor strength squarely in the Lord Himself. That single thread ties the passages together and pulls a timeless truth into view: when God supplies the power, His people can face anything. Psalm 71:16—Strength Celebrated • “I will come” (or “enter”): David steps forward confident, not timid. • “with the mighty deeds of the Lord GOD”: His resume is God’s miracles, not his own accomplishments. • “I will proclaim Your righteousness, Yours alone”: Power and holiness are inseparable; God’s strength always promotes His righteous character. Key idea: Strength is experienced in worshipful proclamation. David’s reliance flows naturally into witness. Ephesians 6:10—Strength Commanded • “Be strong in the Lord”: An active imperative—choose to lean on Him. • “and in His mighty power”: The same word group Paul later uses for Christ’s resurrection power (Ephesians 1:19-20). • Context: launches the armor-of-God passage (6:11-18); strength is the gateway to spiritual warfare preparation. Key idea: Strength is embraced through obedient dependence. Paul’s readers must deliberately draw on what God supplies. Bringing the Two Together • Same Source: David looks back at God’s “mighty deeds”; Paul looks forward to God’s “mighty power.” Past faithfulness fuels present confidence. • Same Shift: Both passages move the focus from self-effort to divine enablement. • Same Outcome: The psalmist proclaims; the Ephesians stand firm. Whether speaking or standing, God’s strength equips His people to act. Why the Connection Matters 1. Worship and Warfare intersect. Praising God’s power (Psalm 71) and resisting the enemy’s schemes (Ephesians 6) spring from the identical reservoir of divine strength. 2. Testimony reinforces battle readiness. Declaring God’s works (Psalm 71) refreshes faith, which in turn fortifies believers for spiritual combat (Ephesians 6). 3. Righteousness safeguards power. David links strength to God’s righteousness; Paul includes the “breastplate of righteousness” right after his strength command (6:14). Living It Out • Recall His deeds. Keep a running list of answered prayers and rescues—modern evidence of “mighty deeds.” • Speak of His righteousness. Let conversations highlight what He has done, not what we have achieved. • Dress for battle. Consciously “put on” God’s armor (Ephesians 6:11-18) each day, trusting the same power that parted seas and raised Christ. • Rest, then step out. Strength from above never excuses passivity; it empowers faithful action. Reinforcing Scriptures • Isaiah 40:29: “He gives power to the faint and increases the strength of the weak.” • 2 Corinthians 12:9-10: “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” • Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” • 1 Samuel 30:6: “David found strength in the Lord his God.” Strength remembered, strength commanded, strength applied—Psalm 71:16 and Ephesians 6:10 sing the same song: God supplies every ounce of power His people need, from proclamation to perseverance. |
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