Hangin’ In There

Merry Christmas Eve, friends! I’m a little late with my post today…just trying to settle down and settle into this holiday break. It’s interesting how wound up we sometimes get. Even when a well-deserved respite is in view, we want to sprint but find ourselves crawling there instead because we’re nearly out of steam, running on empty, bruised, and panting.

If I just described you, hang in there. Trouble don’t last always. I know someone who always seems to be going through it — whatever IT is. I always ask, “Hey, how are you doing today?” Her response is always, “Hangin’ in there.” One morning I stopped to ask what she meant by that, and she unloaded everything on me — from being single and dissatisfied with the quality of single men out there to caring for her dad at night while holding down a full-time job during the day. I admit that I wasn’t expecting that. I told her to keep hanging in there, but in hindsight, I think I steered her wrong.

When I think about her response, I imagine her on a set of giant monkey bars spanning The Grand Canyon. Hanging in there might seem like the best option if you’re nearly out of steam, running on empty, bruised, and panting. Truth be told, there’s a better option.

Stand at the crossroads and look around; ask for the ancient paths,
ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. ~Jeremiah 6:16 NIV

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

There’s always a better option. We should NEVER make a permanent decision on a temporary situation. Keep moving forward — always forward. Even if it’s scary, keep moving. Uncharted territory is only uncharted for you — not God. He has already walked this path and prepared the way to strengthen you, offer you hope, and to give you all the land your feet touch. Instead of merely hangin’ in there, pray God’s word back to him.

Sovereign Lord, I am at a crossroads in my life. Where on Earth should I go? Show me the ancient paths, Lord. Show me the good way so that I may walk in it to find rest for my weary soul. I thank you for all that you’ve given me — especially the strength and the courage to take another step closer to you. I see your outstretched hands in the distance beckoning me closer and cheering me on. I’m almost there to rest in your safety. No longer will I hang in there, but I will hang onto your unchanging hand. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Before you leave today, pump up the volume and shake a tailfeather to GEI’s “Hang On” featuring Kierra Sheard. May blessings abound!