There are so many things happening in the world right now, and there are so many things happening individually in the lives of every single one of us. Everyone is going through something. Instead of wasting our breath comparing and fixing, what if we spent our time comforting and encouraging? That has always been at the heart of this blog – cheering you on to stay in the lane that God has marked out for you. 

Confession: I’m behind on my daily Bible Reading Plan. I share that because it’s clearly not enough to be on the same plan as my husband and daughter, and apparently I need more accountability. (And/or more grace.) The rhythms and routines of the new year have set in, and some days I can’t keep up. 

One thing I’m not behind on is reading one Psalm each day. This past Monday I read Psalm 41, meaning it was the 41st day of the year. (Time is flying.) Somehow I also ended up reading Isaiah 41, specifically verse 10.

As I dug into the Hebrew definitions on Blue Letter Bible, both of these passages stirred up a theme of encouragement.

“Blessed are those who have regard for the weak; the LORD delivers them in times of trouble. The LORD protects and preserves them— they are counted among the blessed in the land— He does not give them over to the desire of their foes. The LORD sustains them on their sickbed and restores them from their bed of illness.” - Psalm 41:1-3 (NIV)

A paraphrase based on Hebrew definitions and other random thoughts:

We find happiness when we consider the needy, “properly, dangling” (those hanging on by a thread). It’s a blessing to turn outward instead of inward, to focus on extending love and meeting needs instead of throwing an oversized pity party. God will cause us to slip away and escape the bad and evil things of this world. He will guard us and keep us alive; the enemy doesn’t get the final say. God will support us and turn our situation around: death to life, ashes to beauty, brokenness restored.

I’m hung up on that definition for weak/helpless: dangling. (Pun intended; you’re welcome.) The obvious picture that can be painted is of those hanging on by a thread. Those plagued by uncertainty. Those who have come to the end of themselves and don’t know what else to do. God’s mercies are new every morning, but right now it’s nighttime, and it just keeps getting darker. Hope is fleeting.

One thread on its own, with enough force, can easily be ripped apart. But what about when you join multiple threads together? Ecclesiastes says it best:

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: if either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” - Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (NIV)

I stumbled across the stock photo in this week’s title picture, and thought of all those threads lined up together. If you tried to grab a handful of them, even if they weren’t intertwined, it would be impossible to break one… unless you separated it. Get it alone, by itself – no problem. 

We weren’t meant to do life alone; we weren’t meant to face the troubles of this life on our own. We were created for relationship with God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) and with people. Sometimes you have to find your people, the ones who will stand with you and give you some of their courage and strength. The ones who will help you hold up your shield of faith. 

And sometimes, when you’ve climbed back up to solid ground and there’s some calm between the storms – you get to offer that to others, to those who are still dangling. 

All too often our problems are a product of our relationships with others. Which is one of the reasons why I love the Bible. It’s filled with inspiration for the days when only truth from a perfect Father will bring light to your path. 

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” - Isaiah 41:10 (ESV)

Another rewrite based on Hebrew definitions:

“I am with you; there’s no need to tremble or fear. I am your supreme God, your caring Father; look around you and see the help I’m extending to you. I am fully aware, and I will strengthen you with courage. I am surrounding you and defending you, and I will protect you. I am following you closely, and I will sustain you; I am holding you up in my justice-filled hand.”

People will fail us. And we will fail people. But God’s perfect love drives out all the fear. Receive His love, and let go of the fear. God wants to help you, and He is more than able. 

If you’re reading this and you’re hanging on by a thread – don’t give up. Reach up. Talk to God. Go for a walk. Breathe. Write. Sing. Rest. And reach out. Find your people. Find a therapist. Keep going.

And when you feel like you have the capacity for it – help someone else who’s dangling. Reinforce their thread. Lighten their load. Spark some joy. Take a moment to care for them and their family. Be an extension of God’s love.

💗

Resource: One-Word Check-In + Prayer Guide