Today's Devotional Thought
April 18, 2012 by Rachel Piferi
Renewed with His Strength
A fellow sister in ministry posted the following as her facebook status some time ago and it has just stuck with me: "Every part of me has been tired and a little overwhelmed this week. Late nights. Early mornings. A toddler and two teens. Deadlines and dinner plans. How Lord? I ask."
Do you ever feel that way? Ever feel like you could not handle one more demand on your time?
I know I have. In fact, that could have been my status last week.
As women, I think we all know too well the feeling of being stretched too thin. It seems as if everyone needs a piece of us. And, as I think about the way that I spend my time, I find that it isn't just tasks that I have to do. It seems like everyone wants an emotional piece of me. Do you know what I mean?
As women, I think people come to us for emotional reasons. Our teenagers want to talk about their recent heartbreak, our daughters want to talk about how their best friend betrayed them, our husbands want to share their frustrations and goals, our friends want some advice on how to handle a hurtful situation. And as women, we feel things very deeply. So, I find that I begin to take on all of the hurts around me and find myself overwhelmed. Especially when you add all of the actual tasks that I am responsible for too (dinner, shopping, carpooling, games, ministries, etc.).
So what do we do? I certainly don't want to stop being there for my family and friends. I am glad that others come to me for loving guidance and support. I also want to care for my family and the other obligations that I have.
So, how do we avoid that feeling of being overwhelmed when life piles up?
My sweet sister who posted this facebook status also had today's verse at the end of it: "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."
I believe that the Lord calls us, as women, to lovingly attend to those around us. But, I also believe that in doing so, we can wear ourselves out. That's why God gave us himself. He is our strength and our stronghold in times of trouble and in times of stress (Psalm 28:7). On those days that I am beginning to feel overwhelmed by everything around me, I try to pause and remind myself that if I try to do all he calls me to do on my strength alone, I will fail. I also am realizing that if I try to do things that he is not calling me to do, then I will fail when I try to combine them with the things he is calling me to do.
How do we avoid becoming overwhelmed as women? We need to get filled up daily at the source of our strength and we need to follow him throughout our day to the tasks and the people that he wants us to care for. And, as we are following him through our day, he will give us the strength we need and he will renew us each day with his endless strength and love.
We are called to be there for each other. But, we are not called to do it in our own strength. Remember today that you have an everlasting source of strength and hope that you must tap into if you are going to thrive in the roles that God has given you.
God's blessings and strength to you today sweet sisters...
December