Strength

Today's reflections in Streams in the Desert really resonate with me this morning. The main topic is strength, and it's not surprising that I can identify with the subject since strength in several of its forms has been perhaps my biggest challenge on this journey through cancer.  Even before getting out of bed in the morning I do a mental "strength assessment". How strong do I feel physically? How strong do I feel mentally and spiritually?  And there is usually a different answer each morning.

I have been tested at every level of strength and I will honestly admit that I have not passed every test with flying colors.  I have gone through the "I just can't do this!" stage to the "I can do this!" and back again on a regular basis.  But I have ceased to beat myself up over my lack of consistency and have gratefully given in to the comfort of resting in the arms of my Great Physician, knowing that He will meet my needs whenever and wherever.  It's His strength that is consistent and for that reason mine doesn't have to be.

"The Lord is my strength to go up.  He is to me the power by which I can climb the Hill of Difficulty and not be afraid.  

The Lord is my strength to go down.  It is when we leave the bracing heights, where the wind and sun have been about us, and when we begin to come down the hill into closer and more sultry spheres, that the heart is apt to grow faint.

The Lord is my strength to go on.  He gives us the power to tread the dead level, to walk the long lane that seems never to have a turning, to go through those long reaches of life which afford no pleasant surprises, and which depress the spirits in the sameness of terrible drudgery."-The Silver Lining (Streams in the Desert-Classic Edition).

Lovely!  Couldn't have said it better myself.

"Do not grieved, for the joy of The Lord is your strength."-Nehemiah 8:10b (NIV).

On the health front:

No particular challenges this morning.  I am a happy woman😄