Support Beams

In seeking to make the holiday season warm for others, I sometimes begin thinking it is all up to me.  I strive and labor to build my house, my family, but still come up short.  Expectations are not met and as I approach the new year, an overwhelming sense of inadequacy sweeps over me.

I was thinking these thoughts earlier this week when I read from 1st Chronicles.  There David seeks to build a house for God and God answers with . . . no.  Instead, God would build David's house.  I was so encouraged by these words.  It is not up to me to build this family.  When there are fights and squabbles, hurt feelings and rejection I remind myself that God is in charge. He is the one who will accomplish His purposes in this home.  

Just as David was not qualified to build a house for God, so my hands are stained by failures and sins I've committed.  Only God can keep this family on track.  Only God can bear the weight of our troubles.  He is quite capable of holding us together through what may lie ahead.

As I enter the new year, this is my prayer, that God would build my house.  I would open my hand from striving to fix everything and keep everyone happy.  I will let it be okay that things and relationships aren't always perfect.  And I will pray for God's Spirit to move in our hearts and grow us into the likeness of  Christ.  What a burden is lifted when I realize it does not all depend on me.  

The following verses are above my kitchen sink, so as I go about my dailies, I can be reminded to pray for my family and release them into God's hands to mold and shape as He wills.  And as I renew my commitment to personal disciplines and goals for this year, I would do so only in reliance on the One who is in control of all things and able to accomplish His purpose through me.

The year will indeed be blessed as I cling to the promises, leaning all my weighted burdens against the support beams of Jesus.

"...the LORD will build a house for you..."

"Who am I, O LORD God, and what is my family, 

that you have brought me this far?  

And as if this were not enough in your sight, O God,

 you have spoken about the future of the house of your servant."

"There is no one like you, O LORD, and there is no God but you..."

"So your servant has found courage to pray..."

(1 Chron. 17:10,16,17,20,25)

Courage Lord, yes give me confidence to step into the new year on your strength.