Days come where the world feels absolutely crushing on our spirits. We have all had those days when the clouds of despair are swirling, and we feel the strain of life. The news is bleak, and if we are to believe the mainstream media, we are just one catastrophe away from world destruction. A friend or loved one is struggling with something that we cannot fix or change. Our own situation is dire, whether through finances, relationships, health, etc. This is a relatable place where we have all been at some point in our lives.
I do believe that some are more predisposed to anxiety and worry. For the most part, I am a relatively optimistic and content person. Put a cup of coffee in my hand and tell me my outfit is cute, and I will be emotionally 100% until the caffeine wears off! I am teasing, of course, but I am not immune to heartache. Many times, my darkest moments are spent hurting for those I love. Often when my heart feels heavy it is for others. Even as I write this, there are those I love who are struggling with troubles, and those who are crushed by disappointment and heartbreak.
However, my Saviour always finds a way to remind me that the worry, hurt, and struggle will not be rectified by myself or through my efforts. My strength, whether through effort or worry or anxiety, is not and will never be the solution. Only He is the answer to it all!
Psalm 73:26 says, My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.
* I am not capable enough, but He is.
* I am not strong enough, but He is.
* I am not enough BECAUSE HE is always enough.
God fills the void with HIS strength, and with Him and through Him, even with a hurting heart, I can rest on Him. We sing the hymn Leaning On the Everlasting Arms and we should believe it! The middle of the chorus says …Safe and secure from all alarms. When I am leaning on Him, the cares of this world cannot shake my faith or distract me the promise of His comfort and love.
He has all the joy that I need to make it. His joy is what will help us and our loved ones to weather the storms of life. Nehemiah told the people in chapter 8, verse 10, …the joy of the Lord is your strength. The Lord will give us the portion that we are lacking today, and we can find strength in His joy!
Today, let us lean on His joy and trust in His care!
by Tracie S. Burns
