I love this translation of Isiah 41:10, 13 because it talks about not panicking, which I am prone to... Not fearing, again, something I struggle with. Gaining strength, who doesn't need more strength? But the most important part is that God has a "firm grip" and isn't letting go of us. It's a good thing because honestly, I've been to the place before where I can't hold on any longer and this reminds me that I don't always have to hold on because I am held on to.
I received this advice from someone recently "if you can't hold on anymore, tell God... He knows your heart. He knows you want to be strong and you're trying, the desire is there. And, because he knows all of those things, when you ask Him, He will hold onto you when you feel you can't hold on anymore." And the person ensured me she has had to pray that same prayer before and it worked for her. It was comforting, but when I read God's Word and that is confirmed then I am confident in asking.
I don't know where life has you right now, I hope you don't need this Scripture to be honest... But whether you are there now or not, I know life has a way of knocking us down time and time again so you will need this at some point... When you can't hold on anymore, that's your sign to release, just make sure you tell God first... He won't let you go!
It's kind of like when someone is drowning and there is a water rescue... If you've taken swimming lessons for any length of time you would have been taught to use extreme caution when attempting a water rescue, many times when someone is drowning the panic is so strong they will actually take the rescuer down with them... Unless, they let go and trust the rescue... When I was taking swimming lessons they taught us to talk to the person and ensure they calm down before getting within their reach, once they calmed down we could attempt the rescue. And really, that's what we all need to do when we are in danger of drowning in our circumstance, when we can't hold on or tread water any longer... The lifeguard is almost within reach, as close as the mention of His name.. We need to cry out for help and know if we calm down and trust Him, we will be rescued.
