Be Strong in the Lord
Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might
Be Strong in the Lord is a hymn text by Edward C. Dortch (1976) in 8.7.8.7.8.8 meter. Found in bh08 511, hs98 866, lsb 665.
The hymn emphasizes the Lutheran teaching that Christian strength derives entirely from God's power rather than human capability, reflecting the doctrine of justification by faith. It connects the warrior imagery of Scripture to the Christian's daily struggle against sin and spiritual enemies, maintaining Luther's emphasis on vigilance against temptation.
History & Background
Written by Edward C. Dortch in 1976, this hymn directly paraphrases Ephesians 6:10-18 and the metaphor of the Christian's spiritual armor. It was included in Lutheran Service Book (2006) as hymn 665.
Hymnal Appearances
- Baptist Hymnal — 511
- Hymnal Supplement 98 — 866
- Lutheran Service Book — 665
Bulletin Note
Written in 1976 by Edward C. Dortch, this hymn uses the metaphor of spiritual warfare to affirm the Lutheran conviction that believers are clothed entirely in God's strength and protection through justifying faith in Christ.
Preaching Connection
This hymn transforms the Law's exposure of human weakness into Gospel proclamation: God's strength, not ours, conquers sin and death, making it a powerful response to sermons on spiritual struggle, justification by faith, or the Christian's armor in Christ.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- Of Justification Augsburg Confession
In the Church Year
Suggested in the three-year series
- Proper 17 (2×)
- Easter 7 (1×)
- Proper 23 (1×)
From LCMS Worship's published hymn suggestions, 2014–2026. The count is how many of those yearly lists suggested this hymn for that day.
Themes
Christian courage Spiritual armor Trust in God's strength Faithful endurance