Why Your Identity Can’t Be Found in Strength | Jeremiah 9:23

Devotional

“Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches”

We spoke in our last devotional of Haggai, a minor prophet, who lived in the time of Israel’s exile. The book of Jeremiah serves as a warning to the people of Judah prior to this exile. Jeremiah is one of the five major prophets often referred to as the “weeping prophet” because of the emotional tone of his warnings against disobedience.

Jeremiah warned Judah that judgment was coming because the people continually rejected God’s covenant. They worshipped false gods, mistreated others, and trusted in themselves rather than the Lord.

God had already warned Israel of the consequences of breaking His covenant in 1 Kings. Thirteen books later, Jeremiah records those warnings becoming reality.

Even in judgment, however, God remained faithful to His promise that His people would not be destroyed completely.

It’s important to discuss Jeremiah 9:24 when discussing Jeremiah 9:23, “but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.””

It’s easy to boast in our own strength, discipline, intelligence, or success. But Jeremiah reminds us that none of those things are where our identity should come from. Our greatest boast should be that we know the Lord.

God does all things with love, justice, and righteousness. As we move forward with our fitness journey, never forget that message.

There is nothing wrong with becoming stronger, wiser, or more disciplined. The problem begins when we start finding our identity in those things instead of in God.

Our strength, success, and progress are temporary—but knowing the Lord is eternal.

Workout

Below is the workout for the day.

ONE thing to consider when completing this workout:

1. The same note as our last workout: This is max day! Nothing better than putting some heavy weight on your shoulders and squatting it. Have fun and add weight until you can’t get it!

Barbell Back Squat

1 set of 3 reps

1 set of 2 reps

3 sets of 1 rep

Barbell Romanian Deadlift

4 sets of 8 reps

Kettlebell Swing

4 sets of 8 reps

Back Extension or Hyperextension

4 sets of 8 reps