NACR Daily Meditation for Thursday, Feb 20, 2003

20 Feb 2003 08:00:00 -0000

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NACR Daily Meditation for Thursday, Feb 20, 2003

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He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.

Isaiah 40:29

Grief is exhausting. Physically we are fatigued. Mentally we are spent.
Emotionally we are drained. Spiritually we are crushed. Weariness seems
to cast a shadow over all of life. We drag through the days. We are without
strength and without power. 

Our bodies need to be refreshed with sleep and recreation. Our minds need
to be stimulated with hopeful thoughts about our future. Our hearts need
to be soothed. Our spirits need to be infused with a desire to engage in
life again.

God comes to us in the weariness and weakness of grief with gifts of strength
and power. God does not shame us for our weakness. God does not reject us
for being too weary to function. We may be tempted to refuse God's gifts
either because we want to pull ourselves up by our own bootstraps, or because
we don't believe we are entitled to receive good gifts. But, nevertheless,
God offers us good gifts in seasons of grief. God offers strength and power.
When we can admit our need and are ready to be honored by the Giver of these
gifts, they can be ours. 

I am weary, Lord.
Sometimes I think I am suppose to stay weary.
I do not feel entitled to be strong.
And sometimes I want to manage without your help.
I don't feel that I deserve help. 

Thank you for your offer of strength and power. 
Give me strength today.
Give me the power I need to make it through this day.
Give me the grace to accept your gifts.
Strengthen and empower me as I grieve today.
Amen.

Copyright 1991 Dale and Juanita Ryan 

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ROOTED IN GOD'S LOVE (the book from which these meditations are taken, is back in print! To order call our office at 714-529-6227 ext 111 or order online at

http://www.nacronline.com/dox/store/dox/nacrbooks.htm

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Meditations from previous days can be viewed at:  

http://two.pairlist.net/pipermail/nacrmed/

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Plan now to join us at STEPS 2003, a national conference for Christians in recovery jointly sponsored by the NACR and Overcomers Outreach. It will be held June 26-28, 2003 in Southern California. Plenary speakers are Steve Arterburn, David Stoop, Rich Buhler, Sandra Wilson, Mark Laaser and Ann Kiemel Anderson. Over 45 workshops. Support groups. Specialized gatherings. And lots of fellowship and support for your recovery. Details as they become available and online registration will be at:

 http://www.nacronline.com/dox/steps2003.htm

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