Finding Strength in Vulnerability

Lessons from David’s Prayer

Photo by Leighann Blackwood on Unsplash

I’ve been studying the book of Psalms, and I can’t help but see myself in David in every chapter.

David has a unique way of being vulnerable and expressing his weaknesses in the presence of God. He cries out and shares the frailties of his humanity openly.

He was a man after God’s own heart because he poured out his heart to God every minute of his day, as long as he lived.

I said this because we can all learn from David how to be weak and vulnerable to God.

It took me some time in my Christian journey to understand this. I always felt the need to be tough and independent, because I didn’t want to be taken for granted.

Unconsciously, I brought this attitude before God. I wasn’t always expressive about how I felt and what I wanted.

I prayed because it was expected of me as a Christian, especially as the child of a missionary. But it was challenging.

Join 100 youths in praying in tongues for 30 minutes every day.

After facing some tough experiences, I learned to break down in God’s presence.

I learned to go into prayer without knowing what to say, but simply cry, vent, or talk about what was happening in my life.

There were days I would lay flat on the floor with no words. I will be still and stare at the beauty of the stars.

In doing this, I found (because I had been searching for a long time) the true meaning of prayer — communing with God as I am.

God responded by showing me that He is the Great I Am.

Like David, this won God’s heart because I showed Him my true self.

I’m sharing this because, like me, you might be carrying a heavy load of problems and exhaustion.

But Jesus taught me that it’s okay to drop all that baggage and lament about my day. It pleases him to hear it.

If you’re tired and need someone to talk to, Jesus is a good listener, and His feedback is always the best.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

2 Cor 12:9–10

Q & A

Q: Lately, little things seem to break me. I had my last episode of crying, doubt, fear of the future and the unknown, and heartache all in one day on Saturday, yet it seems like I’m close to another one. I feel so exhausted, even when I barely do a thing. I randomly have days that I don’t feel like lifting a finger. It has been a lot, Purple Writer, and I’m not even twenty yet. Even while I write to you, I feel so low in my spirit, tears finding their way through my eyes. Is this normal? — Anonymous

A: Is it normal? Yes and No.

Yes, because you’re not alone. I’ve experienced episodes of anxiety, constantly worrying about my future. There always seems to be an overwhelming sense of pressure—the expectations of the world, the standards of success I’m trying to meet.

This led to periods of depression. I’ve been where you are, burning up my mind and exhausting my body.

But No, it’s not normal because it’s unscriptural to feel this way. You have your whole life ahead of you to figure out who you want to become.

And most importantly, God loves you and he is always with you — even when He doesn’t seem close. When you feel tired, go to His presence, cry, and express yourself to Him. Trust me, clarity about what to do next will come.

Here are a few things that helped me during this time:

1. I reduced my time on social media and immersed myself in Christian messages, songs, and books — anything that would uplift my spirit.
2. I took control of my day. I wouldn’t let my body dictate what needed to be done. Even when I didn’t have much to do, I’d get dressed and sit at my desk to work. I avoided idleness. “Idle hands are the devil’s workshop.”
3. I confessed a lot of scriptures about strength and might to myself. “I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me,” is still my favourite.
4. I joined a community of believers who pushed me to pray, study the Word and enjoy God. This helped me a lot.

So, dearest reader, you can do all things through Christ, who strengthens you.

At the end of every month, I randomly answer questions about faith, finance, career, business, mental health, personal development, and relationships. If you have a question in this area, please fill out the form.

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