Strength of my Heart
Limp noodle. Fuzz brained. Dead tired. Overwhelmed. Absolutely drained. Emotionally exhausted. Physically spent.
Do any of these phrases summarize how you are doing at the moment? As much as we want to live vibrant Christian lives, there are days when strength seems fleeting and life is more challenging.
I find it helpful at these times to remember that true strength does not come from within myself. Sure, I might be determined to get something accomplished or be aggressive in pursuing a goal, but I can only power through so much on my own. Inevitably my own strength fails.
I take comfort in the word of the Psalmist: “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” (Psalm 73:26 NIV)
We have a God who designed an intricate world and people where no two are alike. But He didn’t just create us and leave us hanging. God continues to sustain us – that is, He offers strength and support to all of us, no matter what our circumstances. It’s not just some of the time that God is caring for us – it is always and forever.
When things are going well I tend to forget that it is God who is making that happen. Oh, I remember He is there when I am in trouble and need help – but I can really get off on my own abilities and successes when I think that I have done so much.
Where is the balance? God didn’t make me to be a clinging vine where I can’t do anything on my own. Yes, He helps me and gives me strength but He also gives me a brain that He expects me to use. Things get out of balance when I attribute all my successes and blessings to my own skills and abilities without acknowledging the gracious God who gave those to me.
The key in this verse from the Psalms is that God is the strength of my heart. In Biblical terms, the word “heart” refers to our emotions, our thoughts, our actions, our motivations. God sustains my innermost being throughout all aspects of my life. When I put my trust in Him He works in me from the inside out to give me a heart and spirit that is loving and kind and fit for His service.
Being at home alone a lot these days has left me wondering what God wants me to do with this time away from the busyness of life. For what type of service is He preparing me? How is He strengthening my heart for what is to come?
I know that whatever God has in store for me that there will be days when things are soaring and others that will be down in the dumps. But that’s okay. He will never leave me alone to face those challenges and He will cheer me on the road to success.
Open up your heart today to God’s wonderful strength. You don’t have to bear things alone.
