Shanda Lyons

When the ground gives way beneath your feet and you feel like you’re free falling into an inescapable abyss, Jesus is there. You cannot go where he cannot reach. Cry out. He will catch you.

Life’s hard. Stuff’s painful. Disappoints come. Devil’s got a way to comfort you. He’s a liar. Don’t do something stupid. Choose faithfulness. Don’t give in to that temptation. Open your eyes and see that seduction for what it is. Hold tight to Jesus. He’s the way through. Oh, and don’t try to talk to me about the devil just being some archaic idea. I’ve lived too long and tangled too hard to believe that trash. Wake up. You have an enemy who wants to destroy you, shatter your relationships and shipwreck your faith.

Good Saturday morning, you guys. Psalm 32 was part of my scheduled Bible reading this AM. I always read from 2 or 3 different translations. I loved the Coverdale pairing of the words, “mercy embraces.” I pray them for all of you who are lonely. For all of you who miss someone so badly. For all of you who are simply never embraced by anyone. Never affectionately and safely touched. My late brother’s wife is at my house this weekend and she misses my brother almost unbearably. As much as I have grieved his loss this year, her loss is so much greater. So hourly. Unrelenting. Made me think how many of you feel the same way, whether over the death of a loved one or the loss of relationship or miles and oceans stretching between you. Our hurts are often magnified during the Christmas season. I’m so so sorry for your pain. May the God of all mercy, our merciful savior Jesus, wrap his arms around you this day and embrace you in a way you cannot ignore. You are so so loved. He sees your sorrow. He knows your longing. You are not overlooked. You deeply matter to him. I love y’all.