It seems like Satan and his minions have been working overtime. Joy can get quickly dulled by hurt and pain, sickness and trouble, busyness and anxiety. God loves to remind us that He sees our struggles and carries our pain. So here, condensed from His whole Book, is God’s open letter to His tired children.
Dear Child,
I know it’s been rough lately, so please remember that I created you, formed you, and claimed you as mine.
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior” (Isaiah 43:1-3).
I notice the hurt you are going through.
“But you, O God, do see trouble and grief; you consider it to take it in hand.
The victim commits himself to you; you are the helper of the fatherless” (Psalm 10:14).
Did you cause your own troubles? Maybe. However, I came to earth for sinful people, to reclaim them. I no longer see your sins.
“For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him;
as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us” (Psalm 103:11,12).
While we walk through these hard times together, I will carry your burdens.
“Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life” (2 Corinthians 5:2-4).
I will give you everything you need.
“I can do everything through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13).
I will soothe your fears.
“I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears” (Psalm 34:4).
I promise to comfort you.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28).
I want you to know that even though you don’t see how this is going to turn out, I can—and we’ll get through it together.
“I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11).
I will never, never, never leave your side.
“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).
You are mine and I love you very much.
Your Dad
