I would be an absolute hypocrite if I didn’t let you know that tapping into our inner Power (with a capital “P”)–the Spirit of God within us–takes a faithful and humble willingness to first be a little, well, disempowered.
A faithful willingness to admit we are a fool. To admit we are a hypocrite. To admit we are an absolute imbecile!
Yes, even us women. Even us Daughters of a King! The irony, I know! But, trust me, it will make sense in the long run. He’s got us covered!
Like, for example, how we burden ourselves (and, inadvertently, others <gulp of confession>) when we operate out of fear and control, out of our own will.
When we keep “pushing” ourselves to do this, this, or that out of our own selfish ambition (some refer to as “might”), but not out of a humble willingness to have faith in our true God (btw, I’ve heard hell described as being a tiny ant trying to “push” a giant boulder up a hill. NO. BLEEPIN’. GRACIAS! I am not a giant boulder! I am a Child of a Most High King!), only to face constant disappointment and defeat that leads to an overwhelming sense of discouragement.
Yet, in typical dysfunctional fashion (hey, don’t judge–haven’t you also heard, Jesus’ disciples were completely dysfunctional!), we do tend to keep on doing the worldly thang, ya know, like pushing ourselves.
At least that’s what I did.
Even though it didn’t feel peaceful. Even though it felt suffocating. Even though I felt as if I might combust at any moment, as if my head might explode.
And I got adrenal fatigue (among other things) that led to cancer.
I didn’t know I had “The Power” in me. The Power of the Holy Spirit. The Power of His Divine Love.
I didn’t know I could stop people-pleasing and pushing myself to do and be what I believed was expected of me so I could fit in.
I didn’t know I could have and keep boundaries and walk away from that which is dangerous for me, for my soul.
I didn’t know I could actually heal and not just force myself to be someone I wasn’t ready to be or someone I was not.
And so can you.
So, please, receive this lighthearted confession as a warning. A seed. A call to action. Whatever.
And start trusting in that Power, the Love of the Lord.
Trust Him to fight your battles for you (Jehovah Nissi). Trust Him to order your steps and truly heal you (Jehovah Rapha). Trust Him to be your provider (Jehovah Jireh). Trust Him to be your peace (Jehovah Shalom).
Take time to be still with Him. He loves you SO. MUCH.
And He’s been calling us to let Him love us for a while now.
Until next time, Peace.
Next week: “Speaking of dysfunction…”
