Strength
I personally don’t like asking for help; I prefer to do it all myself. Oh sure, I can ask for help with cleaning and things like that, but that’s not what I’m talking about. I’m talking about something much deeper. I’m talking about help that requires sharing my deepest fears, worries, cares, struggles, and concerns. The thoughts or things I keep that poison my soul because I am too embarrassed or ashamed to talk about them. I think I can bury them down deep inside where they're safe, and no one will see or know about it. Maybe I think they are minor things, things such as feelings of hurt, rejection, jealous, unforgiveness, or bitterness. But what happens time and time again is that these things eventually surface, one way or another. They come out in a bad attitude where I am short with my husband or kids, or maybe I stop doing the things I should be doing, and start doing things I shouldn’t be doing. I stop reading the Word, going to church, and fill myself up with empty pleasures like food, chocolate, Facebook, or retail therapy. I thought I was miserable, but then I find that I am even more miserable than I was to begin with. I don’t open up because I don’t want to be a burden to others. I mean, they usually have their own stuff to worry about. My problems are little, petty, or minor. Hmmm, and pride may be a factor also. I mean, I literally don’t want to ask people for help, nor do I want to be vulnerable. I am usually specific about who I share personal and private details of my life with. Sometimes I just don't want to hear what others think. I don't want to hear them say that I need to let it go, to forgive, or that I'm wrong. Who does? So, I usually suffer all that I can before I ask anyone for help, or until I’m horribly depressed. I could be suffering emotionally and mentally, but don’t reach out until it has led to something worse. I try to hold it all in, and then I explode, which happens in an outburst of yelling and swearing, or in exhaustion and drowning in a pool of tears‚Ķor sometimes both. Can you relate? I bottle everything up inside until I can’t emotionally take it anymore, then something sets me off. I either end up yelling at people or crying in my anguish. It isn’t a pretty sight. All the hurt and pain has been building up inside of me, and I do my best to suppress it and swallow it..fighting to push it down so that I can try to lead a normal life. In this world, we're not allowed to show weakness or pain. We're not supposed to talk about feelings. So then what can we do with all the pain we feel? Where do we draw our strength from? The Bible has some answers. I looked up some verses on strength and I chose 5 that I really liked.
My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word (Psalm 119-28).
Isaiah 40:31 says but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1)
Psalm 22:19 says But you, LORD, do not be far from me. You are my strength; come quickly to help me.
Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. (Isaiah 12:2).
We need reminding that we are not meant to do it all alone. I say this all the time in these posts as a reminder to you and to myself. God wants to help us. In Him lies real strength, true strength. How can we forget about the God of the Universe? He’s put people in your life who can help you, speak life to you, and pray for you. He's provided sermons online, the Bible to renew our minds, and worship songs to help us connect with him. He's given us family and friends. Over the years, I've learned that it is more strong and courageous to ask for help, than to hold it all in and try to do it ourselves. I am not only telling you all this, I am telling myself. We must not forget about God because He has not forgotten about us. There is nothing that He cannot handle, plus He knows everything anyway! We ought to make it easier on ourselves and lay down our burdens. We must not be afraid to reach out. We all need each other, and we all need help. Go to God and ask him to help.
Let us Pray.
Loving and merciful Father,
We are broken. We are weak, and exhausted. Our hearts are wounded, and some of us are falling into a pit of depression. Please help us. Use this message to bring healing to their wounds, heart, and soul. Lord, we wait, we wait for you because there is no other. You are our Savior, Deliverer, Protector, and strength. So I pray for deliverance. Give us the strength Your Word promises. Wipe our tears and pick us up off our knees, off of the ground. Show us your deep love for us, and give us the peace that surpasses understanding. Only You Lord, truly know our pain and sorrow. You created the Heavens, the moon and the stars. Surely you can help us. For those of us with little faith or doubt, help us to trust you. You really are good Lord. Come quickly. Send your angels to minister to us, and your Holy Spirit to comfort us. I thank you that You hear us and will answer us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Prayerfully,
Pam
