A sweetgum ball hangs precariously from a branch in the woods as if it is “hanging on by a thread”. Any rain, or wind, or squirrel running along the branch will knock it down.
There are many people today who feel as if they are “hanging by a thread”.
In times of despair and hopelessness, when I am “hanging from a thread” and simply cannot take even one more problem; not one more task, not another setback, not more bad news, nothing--I am often drawn to Psalm 34 (NIV). Verse 4: “I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from my fears”. Verse 17-19: “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; He delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all”.
2020 has been a particularly stressful year. For many it is a time to question God, question His existence, ask “why Lord?”, and to turn away from Him. This only tightens the downward spiral. What these times truly call for is praise to God, FAITH, and leaning on His broad shoulders. On our own, tough times get tougher. With God, we can and will endure. Emmanuel, God is with us!
I Found Him…as a sweetgum ball inexplicitly hangs on to a branch.