Where Does Your Strength Come from?

Being a momma is hard work. It's hard on the body from morning sickness to aching backs. Sometimes the mind whirs to figure out the best schedule or do 5 things at once without messing one of them up. Then there is the emotional agony of watching someone you love so much cry and not being able to fix everything for him. Even the strongest mother is bound to run out of strength for the day sometimes.

But I love the promise in scripture, "They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength" (Isaiah 40:31).  How often I need that sweet strength renewal!  But the best part isn't even the strength that comes from the Lord, it is the sweet intimacy of waiting UPON the Lord.  I used to think that meant waiting for the Lord, and I suppose it does.  But it also means resting my head on his chest, just like my son does before his nap, and gaining the strength I need for today's trials from Him.

Some of my favorite ways to wait UPON the Lord are:

*Reading the Bible:  My husband is so diligent with this, waking up at 5AM to spend an hour with the Lord before the day begins.  He is such an inspiration.  I usually read during my 14 month old's morning nap.  I read a few verses then pause and pray, processing with the Lord what I've read and how it applies to my life. I find this is a great way to build intimacy with God.  I usually do find much more strength (especially emotional strength) to be an excellent mother rather than just get through the day after my time with the Lord.

*Praying during the difficulty:  When my son can't settle for a nap or misses the potty or has no interest in any food I offer him aside from possibly dropping it, I get to the end of my rope fast.  It is so helpful to pause for a few seconds, close my eyes, and ask God to help me behave as He would have me.

*Praying together:  My husband and I pray together each night before bed.  It is so good to discuss our struggles and then pray for one another.  This helps me see beyond my own world into his.  Being prayed FOR is also so refreshing and helps me to let God wrap his arms around me.

*Get outside:  Especially now that it's Spring, God's beautiful handiwork is so evident in the great outdoors.  I try to take at least a short walk each day with my son so that I can reflect on how God causes things to grow without any worrying on the flower's part.

Surely there are other ways to connect with our Maker and wait UPON Him as we go through our days, but those are just some of my favorites right now.

Photo originally uploaded by ericmcgregor
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