She couldn’t say another word. She covered her face with her hands, and the tears came cascading down her cheeks.
She was dealing with more pain than I believed anyone should ever have to. Physical, emotional, and spiritual pain were colliding within her all at once.
The only words I could muster were, “I’m so sorry.”
I had just met her moments prior. It was clear she needed someone to listen. I was blessed to be that someone. My heart ached as she spoke.
From the outside she looked like she had life by the tail. But from the inside, well, that was an entirely different story. I listened and I prayed.
Even though I didn’t know her full story, I knew God did.
And He placed me in her path for such a time as that.
I walked away from those touching, tenderhearted moments, reminded there’s a lot of pain and hurt happening all around us. People near you and me are walking through afflictions and anguish, and the thing is, we may never know it. They may appear they are on top of the world, but in reality, they are hanging on for dear life.
And their grip is slipping.
It’s hard to hang on with life is falling apart.
Friend, maybe this familiar territory to you. Maybe you’re right there, right now. The pain and heartache is beyond what you can bear. You wish for it all to end… and now. You don’t have a clue how you’re going make it through, and to top it off, you feel there’s no one you can talk to.
Oh, how I wish I could look you in the eye right now and tell you I understand. And take your hand and express how sorry I am you are going through this. And let you know I’m here if you want to talk. I might not have experienced exactly your particular situation, but I am familiar with pain and anguish.
I also know what it’s like to feel like you have no one to talk to.
In those dark times of pain, I have often found myself alone. But I’ve come to see that as an okay thing. It’s then when I realize I’m really not by myself after all. The best person I can talk to, the One who is always with me, is ready and waiting for me to come to Him.
God understands. He has answers no one else has. He “gets” me. After all, He created me. And I can talk to Him just like I would talk to a friend.
He helps me hang on.
If you’re finding yourself needing some help to hang on, God is with you. Right now He’s with you. It’s okay to tell Him everything. (He knows it already, and is ready to help.) He’ll shed light on your situation. He’ll give you strength to endure. He’ll give you His peace to help relieve the pain.
The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace. Psalm 29:11
And He’ll walk with you through it all if you’ll allow Him to.
He’ll help you hang on.
I’m praying for you today, friend. Continue to hang on. I’m hanging on right beside you. He’s got us.
Much love,
Julie
Linking this post with Barbie for Weekend Whispers and Deb for Faith ‘n Friends.
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God is all in with us! God is always going to be there and for that, I’m thankful! Great post. I am prayinh for those who are trying to hang onto hope too.
I’m thankful too, Tara! Glad we’re in this together. Have a blessed week, my friend!
That which is the most immediate spur to hang on is all around me, as I write…the dogs who had nowhere else to go, and have found safe harbour here.
I need not hang on for ‘me’; I hang on for the sake of duty and love intermixed.
Great post, Julie. Thanks.
Glad you’re hanging on, Andrew. I was thinking of your dogs a couple days ago. Wondering how they are doing. You’ve made such a difference for them. Thanks for being here. Keeping hanging on!
I love this post. I love hanging onto Christ when life gets hard. I love that he is the best comforter. He understands us. He gets us. 🙂
Amen, Irina. So thankful for all you’ve mentioned. And I’m thankful we don’t have to hang on in our own strength! Thanks for stopping by.
Such beautiful encouragement. We are never alone. Thank you for sharing at Weekend Whispers.
Hi Barbie! I hope you are doing well! Thank you for your words here, and for hosting us each weekend! Bless you!
Beautiful post. Sometimes when we are in so much pain, all we have left is Him. As if He strips us to the core where we can no longer depend on what we thought. To hang on is key – the learning is priceless once we reach the other side of that pain! Thank you for sharing!
Amen, Carrie. I couldn’t agree with you more. Reaching the other side is incredible! So thankful we’re never left alone! Thank you for stopping here and for helping host us at Barbie’s each weekend! Many blessings to you!
Julie, such a powerful reminder! Those times of despair often catch us off guard, and before we know it we’ve forgotten that God is there ready to listen. We all need to remember He hears us, even when we feel alone – even in those difficult times when we feel like we’re drowning under the weight of our circumstances. He wants us to cry out to Him, and He is ready to give us the comfort and peace we long for. Thank you for this today!