Are You or Your Kids Feeling Fragile? Try this.

Dear friends,

Have you been feeling fragile? Are you or your kids experiencing big sadness or are you quick to anger? Is frustration a go-to emotion? These unprecedented and uncertain times combined with terrible and devastating turmoil are taking a toll. It appears that many people are emotionally fragile right now. Many of us are struggling with emotions that lead to reactions we are not proud of.

When we look in the mirror, we are aware we are not reflecting Jesus.

In my bible study group we have been studying Psalm 145. As we unpacked this psalm, we discussed God’s character. That led to a conversation about how we had each fallen short of looking like Jesus. We confessed we have failed big time because we are emotionally depleted, our baskets are empty. We are drained, unable to pour out goodness and grace to our loved ones .

So… we took another look at that psalm and talked about the way in which the Lord loves us. We read that passage like is was a love letter sent only to us. We discovered, for today, we should toss out the idea of being Jesus and instead receive the love he wants to pour into us. When we began to recognize God as our loving Father and His great love for us, our continence began to change.

As we read Psalm 145 we replaced the word ALL with our own name or the words me or I. God blessed each of us in this space. His words poured over us like a salve and soothed our weary souls. We left the study feeling full and uplifted because of God’s love for each of us.

This practice may be helpful to you and to your kids as well. When your children feel like they have really messed up and are unlovable (or when you feel like that) try speaking the words in Psalm 145: 8-21 out loud while personalizing it.

Psalm 145:8-21

The Lord is gracious and compassionate ( to me),

    slow to anger (with me) and rich in love (for me).

The Lord is good to  (me);

    he has compassion on (me) .

(I)  praise you, Lord;

     (I)  extol you.
 (I will ) tell of the glory of your kingdom

    and speak of your might,

so that  (I remember) your mighty acts

    and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.

 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,

    and your dominion endures through all generations.
The Lord is trustworthy in all he promises

    and faithful in all he does.

 The Lord upholds (me when I) fall

    and lifts up  (me when I am )  bowed down.

 (My) eyes  look to you,

    and you give (me my) food at the proper time.

You open your hand

    and satisfy  (my) desires.
The Lord is righteous in all his ways

    and faithful in all he does.

 The Lord is near to  (me when I )  call on him,

    to (me when I) who call on him in truth.

 He fulfills  (my) desires  (because I )  fear him;

    he hears  (my) cry and saves (me).

The Lord watches over (me for I love him),

    but (my wickedness)  he will destroy.
 My mouth will speak in praise of the Lord.

    Let every creature praise his holy name

    for ever and ever.

I pray this encourages you in the knowledge of how much God loves you. He loves you with a love that endures forever. When we know how much we are loved, we are better able to love others. Just like Jesus.
~Lori