By Pastor Naomi Mitchell
For Carter County Times
Not every day starts with strength. Some mornings you wake up tired not just physically, but in your spirit. Carrying things, you didn’t get to lay down yesterday. And that’s okay. God doesn’t require you to show up strong. He just asks you to show up. There’s something powerful about coming to Him exactly as you are. No filter. No pretending. Just honest. Because that’s where grace meets you. You might feel behind. You might feel overwhelmed. You might feel like you’re running on empty. But God does His best work in empty places. He fills what we bring to Him. He restores what we thought was too far gone. He gives strength that doesn’t come from us. So, if today feels heavy, don’t try to power through it alone. Just take one step, then another. And trust that He’s walking right there with you. (Jason Crabb)
How do we get strength from the Lord? The Bible teaches that true strength comes from God, not from human resources or willpower. It emphasizes that believers should rely on God’s strength rather than their own. Prayer is a direct communication with God, allowing believers to seek guidance and receive the renewal needed. Philippians 4:6-7 states, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Rest is warfare. One of the enemies’ greatest strategies is keeping you mentally restless, which can make you physically tired in body and spirit. Because a restless mind and a tired spirit/body can rarely discern clearly. Many battles will disappear when a person learns to rest in their body and in their spirit.
No one is exempt from facing trials and setbacks that seemingly will wear you out physically and spiritually. The enemy thrives in chaos, pressure, and constant reaction. But a rested heart – content in God, anchored in truth – disarms many traps before they ever reach you.
In Philippians 4:11, Paul writes: “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content,” means learning to be satisfied and at peace in any circumstance, relying on God’s provision rather than material abundance.
Give it to God, then go rest. You don’t burn out from responsibility you burn out with tiredness and exhaustion from carrying what was never yours. Scripture says, “cast all your cares upon me for I care for you” 1 Peter 5:7. Because some weights were never meant to stay with you.
The joy of the Lord is your strength. In His presence is joy. Begin to worship Him daily, resting in His promises and see what happens with the tiredness when you show up daily for worship in His presence.
Amen! So be it!
JOYFUL House of Prayer, 2519 Quicksand Road, (P.O. Box 856), Jackson, Kentucky 41339. Send Comments/Prayer Requests: Pastornaomi4god@gmail.com. FB: JoyfulHoprayer. Services: 10am Sunday and Joyful Kids Class at 10:30am, 6:30pm Thursdays. Radio Broadcast: WJSN 97.3 FM & WEKG 81.0 AM Sundays 1-2pm.
