There are so many Bible verses on strength. None of them recommend I lean on my own strength and I am so glad. Over and over I read:
The Lord is my strength and my song. (Exodus 15:2)
Seek the Lord and his strength. (I Chronicles 16:11)
The joy of the Lord is your strength. (Nehemiah 8:10)
But you, Lord, do not be far from me. You are my strength; come quickly to help me. (Psalm 22:19) NIV
God is our refuge and strength. (Psalm 46:1)
I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10B)
Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6)
Whew! I’m grateful for a strong God who cares about me. There are so many days when I’ve just been tired – bone-weary tired – and my strength is depleted. Yet I have experienced moments of supernatural strength or balance from out of the blue. Mom’s legs sometimes turn to jelly and falter, but I haven’t dropped her. She’s even pushed away from me, and, thanks be to God, I was able to maneuver an arm behind her to catch her. I wish I had bubble wrap to protect her whenever I have to move her. I know how fragile she is and how human I am. I am always grateful for a safe transfer.
On the days when she is far from us, it is particularly difficult to rouse her to an understanding of walking or sitting safely down into her chair. On those days, I feel like I make a request for safety with every step. Each day I pray that food is safely swallowed and not aspirated. I also pray that germs stay out of her system. One day, when the Lord is ready to take her home, I pray for a sweet, painless passing from this world into the next.
I know how much Mom’s caregiving is bathed in prayer by the people who love her. There are prayers for the others who have to care for her, too – Dad, Amy, Clara, Laverne, and Jean. I pray for strength, both physical and emotional, for all of us.
I continually pray for those of you who are caregiving and read this article each week. May the Lord give you strength in your individual circumstances. Although I do not know you, He does know everything about you and is ready to sustain you and give you strength, too.
