When You Need Strength

Sometimes I have periods of times that I feel not just physically weak, but emotionally weak.  If I've had a stressful period of time and I'm tired, my system needs rest from all the distractions that are around me, and I want to retreat to my bedroom and be quiet for the entire weekend.  This is how I felt last weekend, and I needed strength. 

For me, my resource of strength is my Friend, Jesus.  I have a continual converstaion going on with Him, and just that in itself is helpful for me.  He is the One friend that I am always able to be completely raw with all the time, right in the moment.  I don't have to filter my words with Him inside my head, He hears me, He knows me.  He sees my heart.  What I love about Jesus is that He values me.  When I feel valued, I feel strengthened.  Do you know what I mean?  It's pretty rough in times of weakness, I think, to find value with some people.  In weakness, both physically or emotionally I am in pain.  I am needed.  I need.  I need someone to listen to me, or bring me tea, or leave me alone. I may not have a lot to offer that is visible.  Yet, Jesus still sees my heart in those times and still values me, and this brings me strength.

In Isaiah 40:28-31 I am assured of this:
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"Have you not known? Have you not heard?  The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.  He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable.  He gives power to the faint,  and to him who has no might he increases strength.  Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."
Isaiah 40:28-31 ESV

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Bethany Looyenga- Guest Blogger

My name is Bethany. I am a friend and devoted follower of Jesus Christ, I love spending time with him and sharing the stories he tells me with others.  I’ve been married for over 36 years and have four sons and one daughter, three daughter in-laws, and seven beautiful grandchildren.  God has blessed me with a ministry, Agape Celebration, we focus on celebrating God through art and bringing woman to a place of understanding their identity through Jesus. I love to write and speak about life experiences and the hope of Jesus.  
Bethany Looyenga
Founder/President
Agape Celebration
Rooted in Mercy 
208-297-2480
www.AgapeCelebration.com, www.Rootedinmercy.com