Inside Out

Recently I come across an image that showed two separate silhouettes of a man. One was labeled “Dad on the outside” and the other one was labeled, “Dad on the inside.” It really spelled out a true picture as I could visualize myself being this image, on my knees. The dad on the outside image had a note on its head in bold print, “I’m fine.” Conversely, the dad on the inside image read; feelings of failure, money worries, inadequate, I don’t do enough, need more time, stressed, confused, need to set better examples, BURNT OUT. Because it is so true that often we appear just fine on the outside, when in reality we are hurting inside. Well, it just so happened I was really relating to this inside silhouette image and feeling nearly all of those stressful thoughts and more. And just then, a song come on the radio of the feed truck. This song is called “Just be Held,” by Casting Crowns. I just parked there beside the feed bunk listening to the song as God spoke to me through the lyrics. It goes something like this; “So when you’re on your knees and answers seem so far away; You’re not alone, stop holding on and just be held; Your world’s not falling apart, it’s falling into place; I’m on the throne, stop holding on and just be held”.

God’s Message Heard

The Lord was sending me a message through that radio at the right time and place like He did the people of Israel in Isaiah 41:10. “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Sometimes it does feel like our world is falling apart. For instance, the loss of a loved one, a sudden financial crisis, or an alarming health concern. Or it could be a struggling relationship or an unexpected home repair and can feel like we are going under. It is in times like these that God wants us to remember that He is on the throne. So, you know, maybe our world isn’t “falling apart” as much as it is “falling into place”. In these moments, if you find yourself on your knees, we can be held by the grip of grace with a trust that God has in store for our lives. “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose…” Romans 8:28. Sometimes it just takes God talking to us. It can be through a simple song at the right time to make us realize to just let go of everything that we have been holding on to and just be held by God Himself.

Just Be Held

I know we are called to be strong. But, when our world seems to be falling apart, stop holding on. And just be held by our mighty and ever-loving Father. The one who knows us, who sees us where we are, and longs to draw us close to Him.  Let go and just be held in his loving arms. Let him show you “your world’s not falling apart, it’s falling into place,” as you let Him hold onto you. Dear Lord, when I drop down on my knees in despair, pick me up. Hold me in your arms, and help me hear your gracious message of healing. Amen.