Finding Strength in Fragility: A Christian's Guide to Overcoming Vulnerability

What to Do When You Wake Up Feeling Fragile

Have you ever woken up feeling fragile? Vulnerable? Perhaps, it’s after a tough day at work, a heated argument with a loved one, or a sense of unfulfillment. You feel like something is going to go wrong and you will be responsible for it. It’s a feeling of inadequacy that can be overwhelming and disheartening.

As Christians, we are not immune to such feelings. In fact, we are called to be vulnerable, to open our hearts to God and others, and to trust in the Lord’s strength when we are weak. So, what should you do when you wake up feeling fragile?

1. Pray

Prayer is one of the most powerful tools we have in our arsenal as Christians. When we feel fragile, we can turn to God in prayer and pour out our hearts to him. We can ask him for the strength we need to face the day ahead, and for the courage to trust in his promises.

Jesus himself prayed when he felt overwhelmed. In Matthew 26:39, he said, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”

When we pray, we acknowledge our dependence on God and invite him to work in our lives. We can trust that he hears us and will answer us in his perfect timing.

2. Meditate on God’s Word

The Bible is full of promises that we can hold onto when we feel fragile. By meditating on God’s Word, we can renew our minds and find the strength we need to face the day ahead.

One of my favorite promises is found in Philippians 4:13, which says, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” This verse reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles, and that God is with us every step of the way.

Another powerful promise is found in Isaiah 41:10, which says, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” This verse reminds us that God is our strength and our help, and that we can trust him to uphold us in his righteous right hand.

By meditating on God’s Word, we can find the peace, comfort, and strength we need to face the day ahead.

3. Practice Self-Care

When we feel fragile, it’s important to take care of ourselves. This means getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, and exercising regularly. It also means taking time to do things we enjoy, such as reading a book, taking a bath, or spending time with friends and family.

Self-care is not selfish. It’s essential for our well-being, and it’s something that God desires for us. In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Paul writes, “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.”

By taking care of ourselves, we honor God and show him that we value the bodies he has given us.

4. Seek Wise Counsel

When we feel fragile, it can be helpful to seek wise counsel from others. This may mean talking to a trusted friend, a pastor, or a counselor. These individuals can offer us advice, support, and encouragement when we need it most.

Proverbs 11:14 says, “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” By seeking wise counsel, we can find the guidance and safety we need to navigate difficult situations.

5. Trust in God’s Plan

Ultimately, when we wake up feeling fragile, we need to trust in God’s plan for our lives. We need to remember that he is in control, and that he has a purpose for everything he allows in our lives.

Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

When we trust in God’s plan, we can rest in the knowledge that he is working all things together for our good (Romans 8:28). We can have confidence that he will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5), and that he will always be with us, even when we feel fragile and vulnerable.

Conclusion

Feeling fragile is a normal part of the human experience, but as Christians, we have the privilege of turning to God in prayer, meditating on his Word, practicing self-care, seeking wise counsel, and trusting in his plan for our lives.

When we feel fragile, we can take comfort in knowing that we serve a God who is strong and mighty, who hears our prayers, and who is always with us. Let us turn to him in our weakness, and trust that he will give us the strength we need to face the day ahead.