Hold On!

November 11, 2021

Hold On!

I have spent much of my time, energy, and prayers during the last few weeks encouraging and supporting families who are struggling with a whole variety of very difficult life experiences.

There have been unexpected deaths because of accident, Covid virus, and shootings. 

There have been deep betrayals of trust in marriage, parents sexually abusing their children, and lingering emotional scars from neglect. 

There have been behavior problems hard to manage, mental health hitting bottom, and children moving parents into assisted living.

There have been the consequences of addictions, neglecting the spiritual life, and pornography.

The one theme common to each of these families is they are trying their best to hold on.  The challenge they face is determining to what or to whom they hold on when life is more difficult than they can endure. 

Sometimes I simply do not understand why things have happened.  Sometimes I do not have the strength or the courage or the patience to endure.  Sometimes I can no longer muster up any hope or any joy or any faith in God. 

I am left feeling utterly alone and completely helpless.  In those times, I find myself coming back to three promises. 

The first promise is something Jesus said to the disciples shortly after he told them he was going to die soon.  In John 14:1 Jesus says; “Do not let your hearts be troubled.  Believe in God, believe also in me.”  When my heart is troubled, I can find comfort and peace in my relationship with Jesus.  Jesus invites me to trust and obey Him.  I hold on to Jesus.

The second promise is from Psalm 46:1-2.  In the Psalm we hear; “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  Therefore we will not fear…”  When life is overwhelming, I find by help in Jesus who gives me strength and courage when I depend upon Him.  I hold on to Jesus.

The third promise is from Psalm 91:11-12.  In the Psalm we hear; “For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.  On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.”  Before I even know that I am struggling, the Lord commands His angels to reach out their hands to protect me.  I hold on to Jesus.

The promises of God’s protection, provision, and presence carries me through the seasons of life when I feel helpless and hopeless.  The Lord will protect me, provide for me, and be present with me no matter how violent the storm, no matter how deep the pain, and no matter how troubled my soul. 

By faith, I hold onto the hand that Jesus extends to me.  When I know Jesus has me by the hand, my heart is filled with delight in the Lord even when my circumstances are extraordinary difficult.

Take Delight In The Lord!

Doug