STAYING STRONG WHEN YOUR HEART FEELS WEAK
I’ve never thought of myself as a weak person. That is until the day I crumbled onto the floor of my bedroom, feeling as if I had nothing left to give. Tears had flowed earlier that day trying to take care of my baby who had colic and feeling like a failure because I could not fix him. I was a new mom and had compassion for my son, but my heart felt weak, as if it had been pulled out of my chest, wrung out, and tossed to the side.
Lord, I’m not sure I can keep doing this, I whispered into the carpet. I don’t think my heart can take anymore.
Some days parenting is harder than I ever imagined. “In this world, you will have trouble,” Jesus said in John 16:33. There’s no more accurate verse in the Bible.
Thankfully, even though Jesus understands the pain this world brings, He’s also wrapped two promises around it. The full verse says: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
First, Jesus offers us peace. Second, he provides us himself. When we lose heart, He’s the answer. How? He states it plainly. Jesus has overcome the world!
Peace is hard to find these days. That day I found myself on the floor there was very little peace in my home. My baby was crying yet, but as I prayed, things began to change. Not outwardly, but inwardly. Jesus came to me, just as He promised. My weak heart turned strong as I started to lean on Jesus and His word. I got up and took care of my baby, and did ok. I knew that the Lord was with me each step of this new journey giving me peace and strength.
In John 14:25-26, Jesus promised His followers a special gift to help strengthen us during our weak times:
“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Are you feeling weak, troubled, or afraid? Jesus gave us one solution for that: Himself. Jesus lived on this earth and faced heartache, trials, opposition and, yes, anger. Nothing we face surprises Him. Nothing we face worries Him. Jesus gives us His peace by giving us Himself.
Do you find yourself in one of those “collapsed on the floor” days? One way that you can stay strong when you feel weak is to whisper “Jesus come near.” And as you do, peace will come. Jesus will come near and turn your weak heart into one that is strong. Because of Jesus, you too can stay strong when your heart feels weak.
