Strength to the powerless.

My life has been beyond chaotic lately. Some days I just stand still, so overwhelmed that I can't even move because I don't know what to do. But I know Who I follow, so after catching my breath and silently begging God for direction, I look around, smile, and do whatever my hands find to do with all my strength (which isn't much, quite often).

"You are so strong, it's amazing!" say my friends. Ha. I don't feel strong at all. I feel the opposite of strength. I feel out of control and powerless. My own failures prick and prod at the corners of my mind. Shutting them out takes effort... more effort than I have sometimes. I am tired. I am disorganized, always. I snap at my kids instead of disciplining in love. I can't keep up with the laundry, the kids' homework, or chores. My to-do list is so long that I need to upgrade from sticky notes to a scroll. My life isn't what I planned.

I smile, pray, and work. I hug my kids when I don't know what to tell them. I play "positive, encouraging K-love" when I need to hear truth. I bury my nose in God's word and find this:

29 

He gives power to the weak

    and strength to the powerless.

30 

Even youths will become weak and tired,

    and young men will fall in exhaustion.

31 

But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.

    They will soar high on wings like eagles.

They will run and not grow weary.

    They will walk and not faint.

And that is the secret to strength. We are all weak and deeply flawed. But we aren't called to be strong and perfect. We are called to draw strength from the only One who is perfect. When we don't know where to turn or what to do, our Father still has everything under control. Talking to Him has a way revealing perspective and giving peace where we only saw problems and pain.

Turning to God in those moments is like sucking in deep breaths of air while running. Breathing correctly while running has always been a struggle for me. I tend to hold my breath while running. Yeah, I know, it doesn't work for long. Breathing is important, if you want to avoid fainting on the side of the road. Luckily, we have a Father who loves for us to come before Him with all our mess and craziness, and to be WELCOMED, comforted, and strengthened as often as we need it.

Our strength is simply in knowing how to breathe.

29