Through the Hurt and Hard Times, Hold on to Him - The Crosswalk Devotional - September 24
Through the Hurt and Hard Times, Hold on to Him
By Keri Eichberger
Bible Reading
Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23)
I was walking through what felt like the hardest financial hardship of my life. Yet in the midst, I noticed something sweet, and actually sort of surprising. It was how well I seemed to be handling the storm. I would have a brief emotional outburst at least daily, but then I’d move on and get to work reversing the setback or just keep treading in assurance of God‘s provision and goodness always with me. I felt the strength of the Lord keeping my head and eyes above the dark water.
Until the heaviness hit me. And all of a sudden, the reality of the black shadows that had steamrolled into my life like a tsunami of storm clouds, paralyzed me with grief. Sadness overtook me. I felt alone, on an island, where no one could reach me, see me, or help me.
The lyrics of Lauren Daigle’s “Hold On To Me” had been playing in the background of my soul for twelve days since the unexpected blow. And now I needed to grasp these words forefront, and more than ever. Beautiful reminders to hold on to the Lord through the very hard season and moments swelling in my midst.
You might be walking pretty well through a hard time like I was for a bit too. And if so, you’ll need to hang onto this message for when weariness does come for you. But, if you can relate more to an overwhelm of heaviness, you may just need to know right now that you are not alone in the hurt you are carrying.
You’re not, trust me. I’m with you.
But what we both really need to know more than that, is that our friend, Jesus, is with us too. Because even though there are hurting souls at every turn you take – yes everyone has something that weighs on them – no one is weathering your exact storm the exact way you are. No one totally gets it. But Jesus. He cries with you. Cries for you. Yes, he loves and adores you. And I need to remember how much he loves me, too.
So, let’s hold on to him.
In him, we will find comfort.
In him, we will find peace.
In him, we will find our strength.
In him, we will be redeemed and find joy again.
I know how long the days drag on when sadness sweeps over your spirit and seems to dim all the lights within. But I also know that God‘s mercies are new each day. Today, the Lord just wants you to feel and receive his love. And to trust that he has abundance in store for tomorrow. Like Lamentations 3:22–23 says, “for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
Intersecting Faith & Life:
I understand how hard it is to hold on when you feel weakened by discouragement or despair. But, I hope today you will find encouragement in the truth of God’s constant compassion and presence. And that you will hold on just a little tighter to him. Let’s release the pressure of feeling we have to pull our own selves up out of the pit and into the world of expectation. Let’s just hold on to him. And let him hold us. Friend, let him heal your heart today with his unconditional love. In time, he will lift you up to where he wants to lead you. For now, just know you are absolutely never alone, and keep clinging to the good Lord who loves you.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/PaulMaguire
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