"Worry Doesn't empty tomorrow of its sorrow: it empties today of its strength." Corrie ten Boom
"I'd like to say that Christians are immune to the wear-and-tear of living in this troubled world. I'd like to say that our spirits aren't fragile but it's not so. Yet, we have a chance to make this wear-and-tear a source of strength, a layering of spiritual toughness that belies the tender spirit that dwells and flourishes within us. Eight principles help to make this possible-principles that need to be practiced over and over again, exercised if you will, as an athlete works on techniques to perfect his performance on the playing field."
Robert A. Schuller
My husband wrote the book with this title in 1989 yet the words and inspiration found in Isaiah 40 are more needed today than ever before. The eight powerful principles we need to practice are as follows:
1)
Speak Tenderly-to yourself and others.
2)
Forgive and Forget-give pardon to those who have hurt us. This might be a daily process!
3)
Search For Peace-be intentional about surrounding yourself with people who share your intentions, values, and principles. Those who will bring out the best in you instead of those who "ruffle your feathers"more often than not.
4)
Hear Good News-don't let painful or difficult situations drown out the many blessings in your life. There is always something to be thankful for.
5)
Trust in God-accept that anything you go through provides a lesson in growth.
6)
Feel Secure Among Giants-even though there can be huge trials trust that with God they can all be reduced to something manageable.
7)
Reason With Yourself-balance your life with healthy living in body, mind, and soul.
8)
Wait On The Lord-positive waiting is active
not passive.
I was recently teaching my two and a half year old grand daughter Haven how to catch a soft, medium sized ball. As she attempted to do so the ball kept hitting various parts of her body as it bounced off to the ground. After about 4 tosses to her I said, "Haven, keep your eye on the ball." The next time the ball came to her it once again bounded off as she quickly picked it up and firmly pressed it over her left eye!! She did not wait for me to demonstrate but took me at my word! She immediately went into action! She was not at all passive in trying to learn the right way to catch a ball! (and what a funny English language we have!)
Sometimes life can feel like a dodge ball game. One after another, balls keep on being propelled at us, seemingly hitting us out of nowhere. It seems we have to run, duck, or dive on the floor to avoid being taken out! Here's the great news: we have an amazing coach who teaches us to keep our eyes on the "ball" while keeping our eyes on him. Not as Haven did, but as we watch challenges come our way we know how to catch them before they hit us as we use them for good. We can find strength for our fragile spirits if we know who and what to keep focused on.
"Do you not know? Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:28-31
Where do you find strength when you stumble or fall?
God is blessing you. Donna
