"And let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint."
Galatians 6:9
This scripture has uplifted me the last couple of weeks. In the last two weeks, my husband and I have painted a big part of our home and rearranged the furniture. It is hard work and made us feel tired, but it was a job that we needed to do. Both Brenton and I also have responsibilities besides renovating our home. Brenton has a job and has commitments he has to fulfill at our church. During the day, I homeschool our two older children, work on developing Bible studies, and write this blog.
With all that said, we get tired and weary, but, during these times, we turn to God and He gives us the energy and rest we need to carry on. This week I didn't know if I would get everything completed, but little by little I have completed each task. In the morning, I wake up ready to start my day and get more things done. A couple of years ago, I would not have the same positive outlook. Actually, I would have gone to bed depressed and not completed anything.
"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control."
II Timothy 1:7
God gives us the power we need to make it through difficult situations. As I painted my home the last two weeks, I had to discipline myself and work through the pain. This gave me a sense of accomplishment when it was done. If we are tired and feel worn out, we can become refreshed in His Presence. As I got tired, I would begin to sing songs of praises or pray quietly. Sometimes, I would stop, go get my Bible, and read God's Word. This gave me peace and strength to continue painting.
For most people, this is nothing new. We all know that to find peace and strength and the courage to go on, we need to lean on God. Yet, there are times our lives seem so out of control. At those times, we look for the strength within ourselves instead of going straight to God for the answer. This self-reliance just frustrates us more and brings less peace than before.
This week's blog is short due to all the work that has gone into painting and rearranging my home, but it was a lesson that I learned during all the painting. It is a lesson I want us all to think about. This week's challenge is to find peace in stressful or tiring circumstances. If there is no peace, then we need to ask God to give us peace. It is amazing what God will do when we seek Him.
"But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.
So do not worry or be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will have worries and anxieties of its own. Sufficient for each day is its own trouble."
II Timothy 1:7