Psalm 41:11 “I know that you are pleased with me, for my enemy does not triumph over me.” (NIV)

Sometimes I feel as if I am failing at everything I do. Do you ever feel that way? Things which normally run smoothly, don’t, and I can’t figure out why. Occasionally, even my ministry seems to flounder as no money is donated. My first thoughts run to “What am I doing wrong?” Have you been there in your life? I end up beating myself up during such times. Those little voices whisper in my ear, “you are doing it all wrong.” I feel all alone in a desert place while everyone else is succeeding.

I believe these feelings get amplified during the Christmas season. The mind starts bringing up the questions, “Did I buy the right present?” “Am I forgetting someone on my list?” Slowly, the joy is robbed of the joyous season leaving me feeling even more like a failure. Satan is the mastermind behind the whispered lies that make us feel unworthy. Jesus even called him the father of lies.

Recently, I was explaining these feelings to a friend. She responded with something that got me thinking. She said “Triumph.” I am sure I had a puzzled look on my face, so she explained. All the Lord requires of us is that we “TRY” and He will provide the “UMPH” to make it work to fit His needs, TRYUMPH! Wow, such deep words. These words helped me to rethink my failures. I realized that sometimes all God wants is my best effort. The success or failure is in His hands and will accomplish His purpose, not mine. My job is only to attempt what He has called me to do. Her words freed me from the drudgery and lightened my load.

In all things, God can and will change the storminess of life. He will allow the sun to shine again. He will give us the UMPH to complete the work He has given us to do. He will help us overcome the lies of the enemy.