My Strength Is Not Sufficient

One of the areas I am constantly striving to improve upon is turning to the Word for all things. In that vein, I've decided to share my first attempt at truly searching out the Word to help me with a day to day to struggle.

When things seem too difficult to manage in my daily life, the annoying thought that constantly pops into my mind is: "My strength is not sufficient to handle......(fill in the blank with any myriad of things that could happen throughout the course of a day as wife and homeschooling mama of 4, with 3 of them being 3 and under).

To calm myself, I always repeat the mantra "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Phil. 4:13) But lately I've been feeling like I really want to know God's words when it comes to strength. So, with trusty old http://www.biblegateway.com/ opened, I decided to do a search of the word STRENGTH. Here is what I have come up with thus far, through the Book of Proverbs.

• My strength is not sufficient to get everything done. I am tired and sore and I'd rather just lay on the couch than stand here doing dishes, making dinner, and folding laundry. "For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God? It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights." (Psalm 18:31-33)
• My strength is not sufficient to allow me to stop an argument when my feelings have been hurt, even if I know what I should say to stop it from progressing. "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart..." (Psalm 73:26)
• My strength is not sufficient to not lose my patience when everyone needs me at once and I am being pulled in a hundred different directions. "They divide my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing. But you, O LORD, be not far off; O my STRENGTH, come quickly to help me. Deliver my life from the sword, my precious life from the power of the dogs." (Psalm 22:18-20) I love this one. What a great picture!!
• My strength is not sufficient to find the words when I have been misunderstood or insulted. "If someone ventures a word with you, will you be impatient? But who can keep from speaking? Think how you have instructed many, how you have strengthened feeble hands. Your words have supported those who stumbled; you have strengthened faltering knees." (Job 4:2-4)
• My strength is not sufficient to function properly when I am sad. "Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice. Look to the LORD and His strength; seek His face always. Remember the wonders He has done, His miracles, and the judgements he pronounced." (1 Chron. 16:10-12)
• My strength is not sufficient to consistently address my children with loving discipline. "She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue." (Prov. 31:25-26)
• My strength is not sufficient to make a tasty and healthy meal for my family when my pantry is almost empty. "They wander about for food and howl if not satisfied. But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. O my strength I sing praise to you; you, O God, are my fortress, my loving God." (Psalm 59:15-17)
• My strength is not sufficient to not worry over money. "You may say to yourself, 'My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.' But remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth..." (Deut 8:17-18)
• My strength is not sufficient to rein in my emotions at times when I just want to be upset. "The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace." (Psalm 29:11)
• My strength is not sufficient to truly take in all of the blessings that surround me, even amid chaos or hurt or frustration. "The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song. The LORD is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one." (Psalm 28:7-8)

I am right. My strength is NOT sufficient, nor will it ever be. By myself I am nothing, but when I turn to the Lord, He will always bolster me up, dust me off, and set me on my feet again. His strength is infinitely sufficient!