I have this affliction or maybe it’s a compulsion. Either way, it profoundly affects my life. Every day I deal with the consequences of this issue. Every day I fight a battle inside myself regarding this one thing:

Where will I find my strength?

I know, it sounds silly. I’m a pastor’s wife and daughter (and granddaughter and great-granddaughter). I’ve been in church. I went to a Bible college. I teach Bible in my own church.

I know all the “coffee cup” Bible verses, like this one: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13). I recognize the truth of Scripture when Jesus said, “Apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). I know all the Sunday School answers and what to tell someone else who is struggling with the same battle that rages inside me.

But isn’t it easier sometimes to encourage someone else in truth than to walk in its freedom ourselves?

Earlier this week I read Psalm 68 as part of my morning devotions. It’s a beautiful hymn of praise and hope for those who are weary and lonely and oppressed.  The Psalmist beckons, “Sing to God, sing praises to His name; lift up a song to Him who rides through the deserts; His name is the Lord; exult before Him!” (verse 4)

As the song continues, we’re reminded how God places the lonely into homes (verse 6) and of His powerful leading of His people against their foes.

And then these words—Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears us up; God is our salvation (Psalm 68:18).

Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears us up.

by Terri Lynne Underwood, community columnist

Conviction poured heavy over my heart and mind. All the ways I try to bear myself up. All the times I lean into my own abilities. All the days I resist His gentle call, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” {Matthew 11:28}.

He offers rest and I resist. He offers peace and I push on. He offers welcome and I work harder. He offers me life to the full and I run ragged on empty.

And so I offer Him a prayer, “Forgive me, Lord, for my pride. Will You teach me, again, the lessons of Your love? Will You shower me, again, with the rain of Your grace? Will You wash me, again, with the gift of Your mercy? Teach me, Lord, to lean into You.  Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears me up. Amen.”

To you, my friend, is this same invitation—to trust the God who daily bears us up.