Hope for the Harried
She was feeling frustrated lately. Money was tight, the kids were sick too often, and she was weary and worn out most days. When her husband came in the door at night she had little time or patience for him. Nagging seemed to come easy. She was unhappy and didn’t know what to do about it.
We talked over a pot of tea. Together we read these stark words from the Bible
“The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down” (Proverbs 14:1)
She had a good man. They loved one another, yet life just seemed to be fraying around the edges. Home was not tranquil or pleasant these days.
God’s Word struck a chord in her heart. She saw her nagging, frustration and lack of patience in a new light. It was actually working to tear her home down. She wanted to be a wise woman whose efforts would build their home and make it a place her family would choose to be.
She determined to pray. Her quiet time with God had gone by the wayside in this time of frustration. She knew she needed Him now.
She asked that God would come in a fresh way into her life, that He would help her make time with Him a priority in her day. She asked that God would help her make some changes in her life. She determined to talk to God first about every frustration. She needed Him to exchange:
- Her weakness for His strength.
- Her unhappy heart for His joy.
- Her annoyance with her family members for His love in her heart.
- Her anxiety over money for His peace and confidence in His provision.
- Her impatience for His patience.
- Her nagging for His gentleness.
You too can ask God to give you, what the Bible calls, the fruit of the Holy Spirit. (Galatians 5:22) It’s “The Great Exchange.” He will help you build your home. You can depend on God to be your source for all your needs.
The minute you accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord, God’s Spirit took up residence in your life. He longs to fill you and to empower you. Hand Him the reins of your life today– ask Him to exchange your weakness for His strength.
Below is a suggested prayer. As you pray, remember that God cares not so much about your words as the intent of your heart.
Dear Father, I need You. I acknowledge that I have sinned against You by directing my own life. I thank You that You have forgiven my sins through Christ’s death on the cross for me. I now invite Christ to again take His place on the throne of my life. Fill me with the Holy Spirit as You commanded me to be filled, and as You promised in Your Word that You would do if I asked in faith. I pray this in the name of Jesus. As an expression of my faith, I thank You for directing my life and for filling me with the Holy Spirit. Amen.
