Our Give-Away for Today!
a 31-day Devotional
Encouragement to Get You through Your Day
Wouldn't it be nice to experience comfort and encouragement every day? Women facing loneliness, emotional distance in a relationship, sadness, or a time of uncertainty in their journey will discover in these meditations God's deep love for them and His plan for every part of their lives. Through it, Cindi helps you:
- face each day with a renewed sense of hope
- see your present circumstances as God's loving plan for your life
- experience His peace by knowing He is listening
- feel drawn by His love and carried in His arms
It's written by Cindi McMenamin, a national speaker and author of several books who helps women find strength for the soul through a deeper intimacy with Christ. For more on her books and ministry, and for free resources to help you feel loved and strengthened in your walk with God, see her website: www.StrengthForTheSoul.com. Connect with her on Facebook!
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(Can't see image? Click here to download Philippians 4:13!)
I'm struggling with both.
C.S. Lewis writes, "No one ever told me that grief felt so like fear."
I so get what he means.
And I'm disappointed in myself for being such a cry-baby and scaredy-cat.
You see, I'd hoped that by mid-life, I'd be a shining example of how to handle these necessary losses with the "strength and dignity" of the legendary Proverbs 31 woman.
Most days, though, I'm more like a poster girl for How Not to _____ (fill in the blank with "Parent" or "Teach" or "Be a Supportive Helpmeet" or "Be a Good Daughter".)
One of my students recently shared his courageous testimony about losing his mother to cancer when he was in elementary school. He stood tall and strong at the podium, voice steady, words powerful, message gripping.
I wept.
In fact, I don't think I've stopped weeping – inwardly, at least – and that was a couple of months ago.
The order is vital: first refuge.
Then strength.
I get it backwards.
In my Choleric frenzy for action, I bargain with God to borrow a bit more strength. And I miss what I need most.
I miss the Refuge.
I read countless books about parenting young adults and supporting aging parents.
But I miss the Refuge.
I go to women's group and church potluck and staff meeting, seeking friendship and comfort.
And I still miss The Refuge.
The lyrics to Precious Lord – "I am tired, I am weak, and I am worn" – so describe me right about now.
Trying to do the "strength" thing on my own isn't working. The stronger I try to be, the weaker I seem to get.
So today, I'm going to stop trying so incredibly hard to be strong.
"I will say of the LORD, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.' He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge..." Psalm 91:2&4(a)Today, this hour, this minute, I'm seeking Refuge.
Which is, paradoxically, the only place to find Strength.
Try this today: Journal or simply talk with God about the ways you've tried to handle your one obstacle to contentment (from Day 28's Try this today) on your own. How have you tried to bargain for strength without refuge? Can you imagine "just" taking refuge and leaving the obstacle to Him?
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Please leave a comment
- responding to today’s blog, and/or
- sharing your Day #1-29 experience of replacing “baditude” with God’s word and gratitude, and/or
- about anything else on your heart!
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(Catch up on any "Warm-Up Week" Blog Posts!)