Strengthen me, O Lord, for I am weary from the chores and disappointments that fill my life. In my weakened state, I am counting on Your power to jump-start me so that I can get myself going again. When I become weary, I must not lose hope, realizing that Your power and strength never diminishes nor do You become too busy to listen to my cries or come to my aid. I know that You are the One who encourages me . . . so that is why I must seek You. When I feel life pressing in on me or the weight of a decision becomes unbearable, I will remember that it is You who possesses the ability to refresh and renew me. As You encourage and invigorate me, I know that if I put forth the effort required and trust Your instructions, I will be able to repair the broken pieces of my life and reinforce the good ones. I must never forget that it is Your hand that sustains me and Your arm that upholds me.
So how do I go about filling my life with Your strength, My Lord? Your Word tells me that it is by wisdom that a wise man is made more powerful. Therefore, when my soul is weary, I must seek Your strength by refueling with Your Word. For in it, I will find guidance and the help of the Holy Spirit to put Your words into action. I’m learning not to lean on my own understanding or the wisdom of men for they lead to disappointment and shame. And through Your grace, after I have suffered a little while, I know You will restore my hope and fill me with Your power. So hope is the key to renewing my energy, for as I hope, my perspective is changed and what I could not do seems possible. And, when I learn to wait on You, I find Your timing to be perfect and I am made ready for whatever comes my way. In Your goodness, You have provided everything I need to sustain myself … why then, in my times of need, would You abandon me? The answer is that You wouldn’t!!
So, if I waiver, show me Your power as You have done so many times before. My enemy comes quickly and quietly to steal from me by convincing me that I am too weak or not up to the task to which I have been called. I know that in these times, I must be brave and give no place to fear. I must remain confident knowing that You are with me always and You are always there to give me aid. I trust that out of Your glorious riches will flow the strength to endure all things and be triumphant in my endeavors. By becoming rooted and grounded in Your love, I will remain strong under pressure, stand confidently on Your Word and begin to understand Your desire for me to grow in maturity. And, I must never forget my role to strengthen my brothers and sisters . . . for it is as much my duty to strengthen them as it is a gift to be strengthened by You. And, it’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen!
Isaiah 35:3-4 Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; say to those with fear in their hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; Your Lord is at hand…”