As a much younger woman, I thought I was a pretty strong person. I leaned heavily on my own strength. But eventually it would give out. And then I would call out to God, begging for his help. He is faithful and would come to my rescue. Things would improve, getting easier. But I would eventually go back to my old ways of relying on my own strength. Then when life would spin out of control, I’d holler for the Lord’s help again.
Experiencing this cycle many times made me realize that relying on my own strength to navigate life, especially while homeschooling my three children, was really one of my chief weaknesses. What I did not understand until recently is that even the strength I thought was my own, was actually given to me by God. I did not muster it up myself. Rather, the Lord developed strength in me—his strength. He did this by allowing me to go through some tough experiences, especially during childhood. He has continued faithfully by allowing many challenges in my adult life as well. After all, “We know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28 ESV). And, “Every good gift and perfect gift is from above, coming from the Father of the heavenly lights” (James 1:17a NIV).
I turn 62 years old this fall. It has taken me decades to make it a habit—most of the time—to ask for His strength first thing. In doing so, I save myself a lot of energy and struggle in trying to tackle life in my own strength. Sometimes it’s the smallest things I need help with, such as, “Lord, what should I write about on my blog this week?” Every single time, He is faithful to hear my call and guide me.
If you tend to rely on your own strength, I encourage you to lean hard on Jesus because He is your strength. I leave you with a few more verses and a photo taken in my neighborhood of a Claret Cup cactus. May God bless you!
“The LORD is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation” (Exodus 15:2a ESV).
“And do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10b ESV).
“The LORD is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him” (Psalm 28:7 ESV).
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). Amen!