Popeye was my favorite cartoon growing up. I will never forget the internal strength I would feel when he would exclaim, “I’ve had all I can stands. I can’t stands no more” and with that he would pop open a can of spinach and by gulping it down he gained an enormous amount of supernatural energy. I wanted to be like Popeye. I wanted supernatural strength. 

As I’ve journeyed through recovery I’ve often felt it was just too hard. I’ve often felt I can’t stands no more but no can of spinach could give me the strength I needed. I have something far greater though-I have God-the Creator of the Universe-to give me strength. He is there for me every second of the day. Yet I often strive in my own strength for extensive periods of time until I’m exhausted before I finally reach out to God asking for His strength to carry me through. Self-reliance can lead to exhaustion and it’s not necessary.

Reach out to Him today. He is only a whisper away. By taking time each morning to invite God into our day we open ourselves to the joy of walking hand in hand with Him. We can have the strength personified in Popeye available to us in a very real way. Philippians 4:13 tells us “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Allow God to strengthen you today.