Strength

"The LORD is my strength and my shield..."

Breaking this verse apart, I look at this first line and what pops out at me is the word 'strength'. Why? I think it is because I have always felt that I have to be strong; that I have to prove myself in all areas - mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional.

When I read the LORD is my strength, I feel like I can relax. He is like my body guard, but He isn't just protecting me, He is guiding me and teaching me.

I don't have to prove anything to Him. I don't have to pretend I understand everything the moment it is spoken. I don't have to hide my pain. He holds up His shield and allows me to use His strength; allows me to lean on Him.

More often then not, I still try to stand on my own two feet, but the older I get, the more I realize that is just too hard.

So, I lean on my Savior, and as I lean in, I hear Him talking. I can't hear Him when I stand so far away, but when I allow Him to be my strength and shield, I discover more than power, I discover His love and plans for me.