Help Me Jesus, Help Help Me Jesus!
I often find myself uttering this simple prayer:
"HELP ME, JESUS!!!"
Which would normally be a good thing, but sometimes It sounds like I’m swearing or am exasperated. Instead of counting to ten or something else productive when my children are pushing my buttons, I say very calmly and slowly, "Help… Me… Lord…Jesus." Sometimes I add, “of Nazareth." That’s when they know I am at my wit’s end.
Is she praying or….
It reminds me of when I was little, and my friend's mom always said, "God, Bless it!” when she really meant to cuss. I always wondered, "What does God think she means? Did God Bless it? Does God come to my aid when I "pray" like that? I hope so, but I doubt it.
It seems like the dog days of summer have left me short-tempered, irritable, and ready for school to start. I typically have grand plans for the summer, light reading, math facts, chore incentives, and family dinners. It’s the perfect setup for great disappointment, I know, but I'm a glutton for punishment. We have done some of these things and a whole lot of nothin', as I am l finding the delicate balance between too much and too little.
Here is a window into my summer struggle. Perhaps you can relate? My husband came in last night and asked how my day was, to which I replied, "Good if you like being attacked by a pack of dogs all day in your own kitchen or maybe being pecked to death by needy birds. If I hear my name uttered one more time, I will stab myself with this fork! (dramatically waiving said fork.) My nerves were shot.
It was nothing in particular and everything all together. The kids are bored, the summer novelty has worn off, everyone is ready for a change, and I don't want to be in charge anymore. But alas, I must because I’m the mom.
I wonder if Jesus ever grew weary and wanted to throw in the towel and tap out. Like, literally, What would Jesus do? I read in the Bible that He always asked his heavenly father to help him through difficult times. When I let my sinful fleshly nature (me without Him) take over and drive my thoughts, words, and deeds, it is time to call on the name of THE LORD.
I need more of Him,
I need Him to fill me up, fill me with joy, peace, patience, kindness, and SELF CONTROL!!
Fresh ideas, fun, understanding, and grace. (I don't think 'fresh ideas' is a fruit of the spirit, but it should be!)
This is my job, and I don't get to tap out or run and hide. But I can cry out to God.
"HELP ME, JESUS!!"
HELP ME, JESUS…to be a better mom!
HELP ME, JESUS, to train my children and prepare them physically, spiritually, and emotionally for the year ahead.
HELP ME, JESUS, to prune away things in me that are unpleasant to you and model love and faithfulness to my family. These people are my life's work, and they deserve the best of me. I can only accomplish this by sitting before a perfect and powerful God, opening the Bible to see what it says, and aligning myself with it.
If you, like me, have grown weary of summer and perhaps don't like who you are becoming, start with a few inspiring scriptures from the Bible to encourage your soul. Here are a few of my favorites:
Psalm 118:24 This is the day that the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 127:3 Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from him.
Psalm 19:4 May the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.
Psalm 37:4 Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.
Galatians 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:8 Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
The transformative Word of God makes all the difference in how we treat those around us. Like most seasons, August will come and go. School will start, and I will be alone with my thoughts in my quiet home once again, and the school year will bring busyness and challenges of its own. So I must cry out to God for help. I pray that we can all make the most of the days ahead, loving one another as we should and letting God renew our strength.
HELP US, LORD JESUS!!
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15