Hold On Just a Little Bit Longer

I'm writing to you. Yes, you.

The one with the broken heart.

The one who feels betrayed.

The one who feels like you're drowning in a river of tears.

The one who is quivering in fear and wrapped in a ball of anxiety.

I see you. I feel you. I am you. And, I'm sending you the much needed love and hugs that you can't give yourself right now.

You're going to be okay.

Please know that you can get through this storm. You will get through this storm.

How do I know? Because God. God is in your story at this very moment. He sees you. He is holding out His steadfast arms and calling you out to walk upon the water with Him. He is calling you to lay beside Him in still waters.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and heavy burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."

Jesus spoke these precious words in Matthew 11: 28-30. Oh, how I treasure our loving Savior who longs to give us rest!

When I'm weary, feeling alone and unraveling, I picture myself safe in the arms of Jesus. He's holding me close to His heart. His blood stained hands wrapped tenderly around me. I feel His heart beat. I gaze upon the beauty of the Lord, His loving eyes meeting mine. I'm transfixed by His presence, His grace, His mercy. He wipes away the tears from my eyes, and smiles. His smile is radiant. There's nowhere else I'd rather be. I feel at peace. I lean once more into His embrace. I hear Him softly call my name and whisper the words I need to hear:

"Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. I will hold you with my victorious right hand." Isaiah 41:10

My heart begins to rejoice at His promise. I know that I'm never alone. He calls me His child, He calls me His own. He's not surprised by my questions, my doubts and fears - He knows them all. Despite my weaknesses, He loves me. He is my strength.

Friend, Jesus is all that and more, for you, too. He is El Roi - The God Who Sees. Run to Him for comfort. Only He can give you the peace and tranquility that you desperately need. Your name is engraved on the palm of His nail scarred hands. He knows the exact number of hairs on your head, you are never forgotten.

Keep holding on my brothers and sisters. Each day is making you stronger, and God is purposing your pain. Hold on just a little bit longer.

Like Hagar in the wilderness, God sees.

Like Ruth traveling through the desert, God sees.

Like David hiding in the darkness, God sees.

Like Mary Magdalene crying in the garden, God sees.

He meets you in your pain. He is near to the brokenhearted, closer than the air you breathe. When unexpected storms come, keep holding on. Wait until you see what's at the end of the road. It's better than you could ever imagine. Hold on just a little bit longer.