On more mornings than I would like, I wake up with a headache. Before I have even opened my eyelids, my head is pounding with pain. It feels as if a jackhammer is running nonstop through my brain. I always dread starting my days like this. 

Recently, the familiar pain washed over me and it took every ounce of effort to get out of bed. I started to follow my morning routine which includes my hour of devotions. This is my precious time to spend with the Lord and it is so important to me. I spend time in prayer, reading the bible and various inspirational books such as “When God Speaks to my Heart” (by Rosalie Willis), “Jesus Always” (by Sarah Young) and “Do Something Beautiful for God” (the Essential Teachings of Mother Teresa).

On this particular morning as I was reading, praying and journaling, I realized something about myself. For so long, I have worried that God would think less of me when I am physically or emotionally weak. I fear my prayers won’t be heard. I imagine they sound like whispers, not loud and strong enough. Because they are small in volume due to my compromised condition, I fear they will be ignored. Now why would I think when I’m weak or sick, God would turn His back on me? He didn’t do that to King David when he was weak and distressed (Psalm 4:1). God’s word tells me that in my weakness I can depend on Him. That is what He wants from me, to rely on him.

Previously when I read about weakness in the bible, I always thought in terms of being afraid or being weak in faith. I never thought in terms of being physically weak. On this day, God made it so clear to me that in ALL my weaknesses I can depend on Him. I know He hears my prayers whether they are bold or timid in volume.

“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.”   Isaiah 40:29

“Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer.”  Psalm 4:1

“O Lord, I call to you; come quickly to me. Hear my voice when I call to you. May my prayer be set before you…”    Psalm 141: 1-2

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”   Proverbs 3:5