I've been wrestling through some things over the last few weeks. I've had to remind myself on an ongoing basis of a few fundamental truths when my emotions and feelings have threatened to hijack my mind. I thought maybe some of you could use the reminders, too.
Just because I feel weak doesn't mean I am a weak woman. ("When I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12:10)
Perfect peace IS possible no matter what my circumstances are. ("You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in you." Isaiah 26:3)
When crawling into a hole and never coming out again begins to sound like a viable option, it's a pretty good indicator that I need to make some changes in my thought patterns! I need to remember that God is my hiding place and that He will protect me from trouble (Psalm 32:7) – and to clarify – He doesn't promise to keep me from experiencing difficulty, but rather, He protects me from any harm that could come as a result of trouble. (Jesus told us clearly that we will have trouble. The promise is we won't be harmed by it if we trust Him.)
Here are my choices: I can either give into my feelings and emotions and head down a path that guarantees I will end up miserable and funky, OR, I can fight for my joy. (Sometimes it feels like I am fighting for my sanity, not just my God-promised joy. Maybe I am. Please tell me someone can relate to what I'm saying!!) Either way, I must remember this – if I don't fight, I will get my behind kicked. But, if I do fight, I am guaranteed victory.
So, what do I do when it feels like I don't have a fighting bone left in my body?
I open my mouth, and I call on the name of the Lord.
I simply say, "Jesus."
There is POWER in the name of Jesus.
When I shift my focus to Jesus, He does what only He can do. He saves me from myself. Y'all. I can't do it. I can't fix me. I can't help me. I can't rescue me. I just can't. I am a hot, hot mess sometimes. But, Jesus. Jesus somehow reaches down and lifts me out of the slimy pit. I simply need to call on His name.
I don't know what your current circumstances may be, but this I do know: Jesus can and will give you the strength and power you need to not only endure it but to conquer it.
I'm so grateful I have a Savior that's not like me. Aren't you?
Happy Monday, friends!