He meets you where you are.

“Just go sit in the pew”. Those were the words from a friend who met me where I was. And where I was, was a heavy, lonely place. Parenting a strong-willed child was only part of the problem. She had rebelled. She had made unthinkable choices. She was only 13. But I didn’t know who she was anymore. And it was killing me. Literally.

I had shut down. The stress and anxiety had choked out my faith. I felt like a failure. I felt unwanted. I was lost. Even people who were close to me didn’t understand. One person even said, “I think you missed the boat with her.” And I felt that way too. The ship of parental wisdom had sailed. And I wasn’t on it.

So I went. And I sat in the pew. And He met me there. And I cried silently as the congregation sang worship songs. And I let Him hold me. And I didn’t feel so lonely anymore. Circumstances didn’t change, but my heart did.

Maybe you find yourself in a similar place. You’re carrying heavy burdens. You might even feel physically ill. You get through the day-to-day routine. But even that can seem like too much. You are lonely, even though you’re happily married. And it feels like you’re in the way or unwanted everywhere you go.

If you’re struggling just to get out of bed in the morning, give yourself grace. Throw on some cloths, brush your hair, and just go sit in the pew.

He will meet you there.