Strength for all things ...

"I have strength for all things in Christ who empowers me
[I am ready for anything and equal to anything
through Him who infuses inner strength into me;
I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency]."
Philippians 4v13

This week has been beyond crazy, and I can testify that this verse is so so so true! Work has been hectic with people on holiday, off ill, having staff walk out, you name it! Each day feels like it's been a mountain to climb and the goal has been to just get through it and survive. I've never been as tired for ages as I am this week ... reminds me of when I was just always on the go and started to get ill. Outside of work life is crazy busy, and there just never seems enough hours in the day to get everything done. I constantly battle with not feeling like I'm doing a good enough job, and that I'm constantly letting people down. But it's Friday and I've survived. Can totally say it's just down to God. I'm still standing, and thanks to Him I still have a smile. Despite all the craziness of not just work, but life in general, God has given me a real joy this week. Been reading my Bible every chance I've had, and some of the stuff God's been saying through it has been simply amazing. Take Tuesday's verse in my devotional for example:

"Honour and majesty are found in His presence;
strength and joy are found in His sanctuary."
1 Chronicles 16v27

Yesterday's verse was just as timely, and all I could do all day was meditate on it and let it soak deep into my being and outpour in all the things I did in the day, all the 'stuff':

"Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily (from the soul),
as [something done] for the Lord and not for men,
knowing [with all certainty] that you will recieve the inheritance
which is your [real] reward."
Colossians 3v23

I mean how awesome is that. I've found in the last few days that as I focus on doing everything for Jesus, no matter what it is at all, with an attitude of gratitude and worship, then it becomes no hassle at all. People don't annoy me as much, there is a song for everything, and there is a smile on my face. Guess I kinda lost that in the last few weeks. Not quite sure what changed, but something did. God is just so gracious in using the circumstances of this week to bring me back into that place of joy. As one of my favourite Psalms puts it:

"Create in me a pure heart, God,
and make my spirit right again.
Do not send me away from you
or take your Holy Spirit away from me.
Give me back the joy of your salvation.
Keep me strong by giving me a willing spirit."
Psalm 51v10-12

Was given another awakening though. My manager at work's partner died this week. Although he had been really ill, he seemed to be improving not that long ago, and so it came as a shock. She came into work today, and though she wanted to appear so strong, you could see she was so broken. By the time I'd chatted with her and she left, I was ready just for crying because my heart broke for her so badly. The funerals tomorrow, so I'm going to go to the main service before leaving for Frenzy. She seemed really glad about that. Just want her to know that she's totally in our thoughts and prayers, that we're all here to support her in whatever way we can. I stopped and just thought that I have no reason to complain, but every reason to rejoice. Yes, I may be totally physically and sometimes emotionally drained, but God is renewing me spiritually every day. Not just spiritually either, but He gives me the physical and emotional strength to get through everything each day brings. I have my health, my family, an amazing boyfriend, great friends, an awesome church, a job, a roof over my head, food and clothes ... the list is endless, which means the reasons I have to praise are endless. It's like Paul says, all our troubles are momentary compaired with what comes next. And in reality at the end of the day I have Jesus and know my future is secure. So I can rejoice and praise in all circumstances ... especially now when I have a much easier load to carry than others around me.

So this week has taught me a lot and given me loads to think about. God is strong and faithful, able to keep me strong and faithful, supplying all my needs. And just that thought alone spurs me on ...