I’m writing tonight because it brings me some peace…and I am in desperate need of that right about now. I’m exhausted: mentally, physically, and emotionally. It’s been one of those weeks where I have just been going, going, going (doing a bunch of great things and spending time with some encouraging people), but I’m just tired. This pain that we’ve been living through…this agonizing pain…comes in waves. There are days where I feel ok. Days where I can laugh. I can sing. I can go about my everyday life.
Then, there are days like today. Days where the waves of pain are pounding down all around me. Days where I don’t want to be around anyone. Days where I want to curl up in a ball and just let the tears flow. I did that today…I just did.
Rewind. I walked through our house a few days ago and my eyes wandered over to three shiny picture frames, each given to us by a dear family friend. The first holds a card with this inscription: Jehovah Shammah…meaning The Lord Who is Present. The second frame reflects the next statement: Jehovah Rapha. The Lord Who Heals. And the third…these two precious words that I have inscribed on my heart.
El Sali. The God of My Strength.
How beautiful those words are. I can feel my heart being lifted, my tears being brushed softly away, and a warm embrace enfolding me, when I whisper those words. El Sali. How powerful and loving they are. I have tried and tried again to be strong for myself, my family, and everyone around me. But my strength fails. Every. Single. Time.
This El Sali, the God that I have put my hope and trust in, will never abandon me…even when it feels like everything good has.
“For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” ~Philippians 4:13 (NLT)
I do not provide my own strength. My mom, dad, and brother can never fully strengthen me and uplift my soul when it aches. My El Sali can though. He is The God of My Strength. He is a real, good, faithful, strong, protecting, loving, and ALIVE God. I need him right now. I will need Him tomorrow and every day following until I go to be with Him forever. He strengthens me. He loves me. He is the Light when my world is so dark.
Love Sees You 