Let Go and Allow Yourself to Fall

God will catch you

2 Corinthians 4:8-9

We are pressured in every way but not crushed; we are perplexed but not in despair; we are persecuted but not abandoned; we are struck down but not destroyed.

From my desk, I look out across my living room and then across my backyard at a large cluster of trees that are part of the Cleveland Metro Parks. I wish I had a time-lapse camera. I’ve watched the trees go from sleeping, barren sticks of bark, to fuzzy lime green buds, and now to leaves ready to explode into full bloom. We’ve had a very chilly month here in Cleveland, Ohio, with temperatures mainly in the 40s and 50s, with a few warm days sprinkled in to tease us about the warm summer to come.

I can barely believe that next week, we will be into the fifth month of the year already. One day, then one week, blur into the next. Didn’t I just water my plants? Oh, that was seven days ago. It seems we were just saying “Happy New Year.” At this pace, we’ll be saying that again in a few seconds.

I’ve written recently in this column about how patience is needed for personal growth. That is a reflection of things that are happening or not happening in my own life. Based on the responses I’ve received and the comments I’ve read, many seem to feel the same. The Bible provides many examples to inspire us as we wait for the tide to turn.

How did Abraham wait 25 years for a son?

What about Joseph, who spent so many years in captivity?

And then there’s Moses, who wandered through the wilderness for 40 years, only to just glimpse the Promised Land without the privilege of entering?

I heard a song on the radio the other day by Katy Nichole. Maybe you’ve heard it?

The lyrics are striking but these words resonate with me:

My God, I'm tired of trying to be okay
I've prayed all the prayers I have to pray
Please don't leave me lonely.
My God, I need You to hold me.

I wake up and put a smile on my face, but deep down, I feel I’m just treading water. I have prayed every prayer I know how to pray, asking God to make me whole physically, emotionally, financially, and to move these projects forward to restore my usefulness. I thought my life might be like this at 86, but not at 66. Things are moving, but soo slowly it’s barely noticeable. I know you are God. You love me and see the beginning and the end, but the long dry spells of crickets are hard to endure.

Today’s prayer

Lord, when the world around us is falling apart, we feel sad and alone. Help us remember You are with us. Holy Spirit, help us to both hear and feel you. Remind us of what is in Your Word, such as today’s verse: we may be pressured, but by falling into Your strength, we won’t be crushed. Even when we are confused by what we see, when we fall into You, we will not despair.

Even when we are persecuted for Your sake, we are not abandoned. No matter how much we have been struck down, we will never be destroyed because no matter how we feel, faith is letting go and falling into Your arms, trusting You are with us, no matter how long the journey. Fill me with faith to believe that I can fall on You, and trust that You will catch me. Thank You for Your faithfulness. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.