Stay With Me

Kathy was tired. Working in the hospital long hours with so much sickness was beginning to take its toll. She had pulled two doubles in a row and she hadn’t talked to her kids or husband in three days. On top of that, her emotional tank was beginning to reach empty and she knew she was running on fumes. She had to work. Her husband lost his job due to the pandemic, and even though he found a job in the local restaurant, he eventually lost that too because the virus had shut them down.

They were barely making rent and the bills were piling up. All she could do is work and pray things would somehow get better. Then came the call just as she was walking through the door. Her husband was just rushed to the hospital with a sudden heart attack. Her mother had picked up the kids, but wouldn’t be able to watch them for long. She needed to be checked out for COVID symptoms.

Kathy threw her hands up in the air and sunk to the floor. She couldn’t move or speak. All of her energy was depleted and she felt as though a huge, heavy weight had just been dropped on her head. Which way should she go? Who could help her? How much more could she take?

Kathy feels like so many of us. Waves of life’s issues and problems are washing over us. Just when we think we have our sea legs back, along comes another wave and knocks us down. After a while, we can’t stand any more and we can’t handle the situations on our own. Right at that moment, pause and listen. While Kathy was sitting on the floor unable to move, she heard a gentle voice say, “Stay with Me.”

The Holy Spirit was calling her to Jesus’s arms of protection. She was encouraged to rest if only for a moment and stay right there with Him. She began to cry softly and before she knew it, she was crying out telling Him of all of her frustrations, her needs, and her fears. And still she heard, “Stay with Me.”

Stay right here and tell Me about your pain. Stay right here and give Me the burdens of your heart. Stay right here and let Me comfort you. Stay right here and let Me provide for you. Stay right here. There is nothing too impossible for Me. Stay right here. I am with you.

In these times of the pandemic and chaos all around us, Jesus reminds us that He is right here. He isn’t surprised or moved by what is happening in the world. He knew these things would happen. He knew you would face trials too. But He wants us to keep our eyes keenly focused on Him. On our own, we cannot solve all the problems and we cannot slow down life. But if we walk with Jesus and stay with Him, we will get through any and every situation.

I urge you to find a few minutes to steal away from it all. Find that peaceful corner or closet or garden, and like Kathy, let all your troubles just sink to the ground. Then listen for the voice of the Holy Spirit and stay with Jesus for a time. Let Him put salve and balm on your hurts, and let HIm take and carry your burdens for you. Stay a while. It will be the most refreshing time you’ve had in a long time. You will find healing for your heart, your soul and your mind.

“Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” Psalm 30:5

Prayer

Lord,

You Yourself go before me and will be with me; You will never leave me nor forsake me. I will not be afraid; I will not be discouraged. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. I reach out for Your commands, which I love, that I may meditate on Your decrees. Remember Your word to Your servant, for You have given me hope. My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life. The arrogant mock me unmercifully, but I do not turn from Your law. I remember, LORD, Your ancient laws, and I find comfort in them. I am able to take heart at the troubles that surround me because You have overcome every obstacle and every storm of life in this world. I hold on to You, for You alone can bring me peace and comfort. Your presence lifts me up and strengthens me. Amen!


Photo by Jordan Whitt on Unsplash

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