The Lord is the upholder of my life

I had to go to the giant whale of a large hospital campus. Cars zipping around everywhere, confusing signs, monstrous glistening white hallways, crowds of sick and scared people, paperwork galore, pokes and prods. I dreaded it, mostly because I couldn’t figure out where I was supposed to park and walk in order to find the appointed rooms. And I didn’t feel well enough to handle it all. Not to mention the reason for going to this maze of complexity. Honestly, the “what if” thoughts drowned my hope that it would go well. I was afraid…of all of it. 

Emotional overwhelm became prayer in Scripture and song. Do you find yourself in need of singing Scriptural truth to your heart as I did that day? Are you dreading something hard today?

Our God, our help in ages past, 
our hope for years to come, 
our shelter from the stormy blast, 
and our eternal home. 

(“O God, Our Help in Ages Past,” Watts, I., 1719)

God’s unchanging character and attributes

Before the hills in order stood,
or earth received her frame, 
from everlasting you are God, 
to endless years the same. 

Lord, Your name reveals Your unchanging character and attributes. You are always the same. Today, I cling to Your name of power, Your authority over all things, Your sovereign and enthroned reign that holds events of today and tomorrow. You’re holding this scary moment in Your hands. Please help me to behold You, to see who You are right now. Please help me to see You way bigger than my fear of my possible suffering to come this afternoon and in my near future.

A thousand ages in your sight 
are like an evening gone; 
short as the watch that ends the night 
before the rising sun. 

God’s help as the upholder of my life

Helper. In the Hebrew, that word talks about how You aid us by defending us, surrounding us, supporting us. On this side of the cross and Pentecost, believers in Christ now have the Holy Spirit as our indwelling Helper…

to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you (Jn. 14:16-17 ESV).

Lord, You say You are the upholder of my life. In Your mighty and sovereign power, You hold me up, not only supporting me but sustaining me as I rest on You…and in You. That never changes…because You never change. So, You will hold me up and sustain me in the drive, helping me in my foggy confusion, in my weak walking, in navigating the immensity of the task ahead. 

Our God, our help in ages past, 
our hope for years to come:
O be our guard while troubles last, 
and our eternal home.

God’s upholding help, as my fears came true

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you (I Pet. 5:6-7).

I kept praying as I drove. As I’d feared would happen in my weakness, I couldn’t find anything. Lost and confused, minutes ticked by as I realized I might be late for the coveted and long awaited appointment. Stress compounded.

I didn’t realize this hospital employs uniformed helpers, dressed in red. Swarms of kindly and knowledgeable helpers came to my side. An older gentleman helper gently asked if I was lost. He began to give me street names, mapping out a long walk ahead of me, as my eyes glazed and my body teetered. “You know what? I’m going to call a shuttle for you.” In one minute, this helper had brought a free van shuttle to take me from the distant place I’d put my car, taking me to the correct part of the hospital complex.

The Lord is the upholder of my life, every moment of it 

The Lord upheld me by sending immediate help to me, by being my indwelling Helper in every single moment. Compassionate medical professionals cared for my broken body, listened to my concerns, created a plan of action for more ideas to try. As swiftly as I was shuttled through chaos and fear, God’s upholding help shuttled me into a safe arrival home, with prayer of thanksgiving.

With a freewill offering I will sacrifice to you;
I will give thanks to your name, O Lord, for it is good (Ps. 54:6).

Under the shadow of your throne 
your saints have dwelt secure; 
sufficient is your arm alone, 
and our defense is sure. 

In the reigning and helping name of Jesus Christ, amen.

A playlist to thank God for His upholding help

This week’s playlist helps us battle those fears that arise in our suffering, by singing of God’s power, strength, authority, love, and upholding help to His believing children in Jesus Christ. Beloved, in our suffering, God is holding us up and He is helping us each moment. How I need to sing these truths to Him and my own heart, thanking God for His upholding help daily! If you’d like to join me, I’d love to share this week’s professionally curated playlist with you too. Just sign up here and weekly playlists will come to your email with a special prayer for you as we walk together heart to heart. 

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