Strength for the Fragile Spirit

Strength for the Fragile Spirit

By Donna Schuller
Special to ASSIST News Service

ORANGE COUNTY, CA (ANS) -- "Worry doesn't empty tomorrow of its sorrow: it empties today of its strength." Corrie ten Boom

Corrie ten Boom

"I'd like to say that Christians are immune to the wear-and-tear of living in this troubled world. I'd like to say that our spirits aren't fragile but it's not so. Yet, we have a chance to make this wear-and-tear a source of strength, a layering of spiritual toughness that belies the tender spirit that dwells and flourishes within us. Eight principles help to make this possible-principles that need to be practiced over and over again, exercised if you will, as an athlete works on techniques to perfect his performance on the playing field." Robert A. Schuller

My husband wrote a book by the title, Strength For The Fragile Spirit in 1989. It is based on the words and inspiration found in Isaiah, chapter 40 and I believe is more needed today than ever before. Here are eight powerful principles we need to practice in order to find strength and encouragement:

1) Speak Tenderly-to yourself and others. Choose your words carefully. "Sticks and stones can break your bones" however words, when used as a weapon, can cause extreme damage.
2) Forgive and Forget-give pardon to those who have hurt you. This is so much harder than it sounds and usually must be practiced daily. The forgetting part is especially challenging.
3) Search For Peace-be intentional about surrounding yourself with people who share your intentions, your values, and your same principles. Although we don't choose our family or our co-workers, make every effort to spend time with those individuals who will bring out the best in you. Learn healthy boundaries when it comes to associating with those who constantly "ruffle your feathers" or put you down.

4) Hear the Good News-don't let painful or difficult situations drown out the many blessings in your life. There is always something to be thankful for. If you need reminding consider writing a "gratitude list". Use a blank piece of paper and start listing everything that you thank God for. This list should include the simplest material possessions all the way up to the most important gifts of family, food, home, and those found in your natural surroundings.

5) Trust in God-accept that anything you go through provides a lesson in growth. It's all in the way you frame it. Remember and focus on scriptures such as: "All things work together for good to those who love God, who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

6) Feel Secure Among Giants-even though you may face huge trials in your life, trust that with God they can all be reduced to something manageable. Stay in the present and take one day at a time.

7) Reason With Yourself-balance your life with healthy living in body, mind, and soul. If you aren't sure how to do this, reach out to someone who does. Consider enrolling in a seminar, a workshop, or contact a wellness coach. God created us in his image and we must honor him by living out our life's potential in all three areas of health.

8) Wait On The Lord-positive waiting is active not passive. Do your best to practice all of the above. Pray yet keep moving forward. Don't' just sit there and wonder why God doesn't do something for you. He wants to see that you are making a human effort as you rely on him for spiritual strength and guidance.

I was recently teaching my three year old granddaughter Haven how to catch a soft, medium sized ball. As she attempted to do so the ball kept hitting various parts of her body before it bounced off to the ground. After about four tosses to her I said, "Haven, keep your eye on the ball." Guess what she did? The next time the ball came to her it once again ricocheted off but this time she quickly picked it up and firmly pressed it over her left eye!!

Donna and Robert A. Schuller with Dan Wooding on his His Channel Live TV show

As funny as this reaction seemed it showed that she trusted my instruction. She did not wait for me to demonstrate, but took me at my word with immediate action! She was not at all passive in trying to learn the right way to catch a ball but instead she made the changes necessary to succeed by showing some real effort. And, what a funny English language we have!

Life can feel like a dodge ball game. One after another, balls keep on being propelled at us, sometimes seemingly hitting us out of nowhere. It seems we have to run, duck, or dive on the floor to avoid being taken out! Here's the great news: we have an amazing coach who teaches us to keep our eyes on the "ball" while keeping our eyes on Him. Not exactly as Haven did, instead as we watch challenges come our way we know how to catch them before they hit us. We, in-turn use them for good. We can find strength for our fragile spirits if we know who and what to keep focused on.

Do you not know? Have you not heard?

The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.

He will not grow tired or weary and increases the power of the weak.

Even youths grow tired and weary,

and young men stumble and fall;

but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles;

they will run and not grow weary,

they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:28-31

Where do you find strength when you stumble or fall?

God is blessing you. Donna

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