The title of this week’s devotional threw me, again. “Strength to Bring Down the House” brought to mind Proverbs 14:1 – A wise woman builds her home, but a foolish woman tears it down with her own hands. As I kept reading, I realized I was wrong…but oh how appropriate this devotional was this morning!
If you aren’t familiar with the story of Samson, read it here. Samson cried out to YHWH for strength to do what he needed to do. He knew he did not have the strength on his own. Just like you may feel like you don’t have the strength to get your home under control. Maybe you’ve tried everything you can think of but nothing helps. Have you tried crying out to your Heavenly Father?
Shimshon called to ADONAI, “Adonai ELOHIM, just this once, please, think of me, and please, give me strength…” Judges 16:28 CJB
September 15, 2014
Once again I think I know what the devotion is about by the title. Nope, way off! But how appropriate this was for me this morning, as I had just been strengthened by YHWH to do what I could not do on my own.
Waking up at five am has been monumental struggle for me for the last several weeks…well, probably all summer really. I can’t remember the last time I woke up at five and actually got out of bed. School is underway, and the housework has become less important. Yet, it still must be done. Planning school for M-Th and having Erev Shabbat (Friday) off is working well – we get our major cleaning done on Friday. But I can’t just let things go until then! Still need to pick up after ourselves and do the laundry daily.
This past weekend was not what I’d hoped. Sabbath was not very restful – I didn’t get enough sleep Friday night, busy all day Saturday. Got to bed late again. Slept until NOON on Sunday. Had so much to do! School planning got pushed to the very last minute. The kids got to bed late, and so did I. Plus, I could not get my mind to shut off. I cried out to YHWH and begged him to help me get up on time, I knew there was no way I could do it on my own.
I found myself awake before my alarm. Not sure of the time, I know I was kind of afraid I had slept through it. I may have dozed off again, but then heard my alarm. I was actually awake enough to give thanks to YHWH for waking me up, just like I had asked! I laid there a few minutes, and heard a very stern, fatherly voice in my spirit…
Dawn, get up. You asked me to help you and I did. If you don’t get up now you will fall back asleep. Then you are on your own.
So, I got up. I went for a walk…in the cold, dark morning. The sky was beautiful – half moon, stars, some clouds…very dramatic. Time in the word with my coffee. Breakfast. This devotion…finally! My spirit was filled with joy at living out the words in the prayer in this devotional:
Dear Heavenly Father, remember me today and give me strength. I have faith that you will deliver me from the overwhelming tasks I am facing. I know of your great works in the Bible, and I’m reminded of Samson and what you allowed him to do. Give me strength Lord, physically to stay well and fit to finish my task, and emotionally to keep healthy thoughts about it along the way. Thank you for answer to prayer Lord. Thank you for giving me strength in you.
What do you need strength to do today? Cry out to YHWH, he will hear you and answer!
Clean Heart Journal Posts:
Week One * Week Two * Week Three * Week Four * Week Five * Week Six * Week Seven * Week Eight * Week Nine * Week Ten * Week Eleven
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