You may think that sounds crazy or that I’ve been out of the ‘real world’ too long and I’ve lost my mind, but hear me out. Because things are hard, because things are challenging and difficult, I have no other way of coping and thriving than in the arms of Jesus.
When I was little, there were times when I couldn’t sleep, and I would walk into the living room, crawl up into my mom or dad’s lap (whoever was available) and together we would look out the window and rock in the rocking chair. Sometimes they would sing me a song or we would talk about what we saw out the window (we could always see the McDonald’s golden arches which I loved!), but we would just rock. It was such a comforting feeling, being safe in the arms of someone who loves me so much.
Every night before we go to the bars, we worship and prepare for the night, and I find myself being like that small child, wanting only to sit with my Father, have Him look me in the eyes and tell me He loves me. I want to listen to Him say that what I’m doing here pleases Him, to have Him tell me that when I’m walking in and out of the bars, He’s right beside me, holding my hand and guiding my steps. I want Him to tell me that He will fight the battles for me, and all I have to do is obey His voice and follow Him.
So some people have asked if going out every night is scary or if I’m afraid, and honestly, I’m not. Would it be scary to go into a place where, when you really look, there are just sad, lonely people just looking for a friend? Do you think you would be afraid of going somewhere where your Father had planned your every steps, and not only that, was going to walk there with you?
When you know your in the arms of your Father, everything feels safe. You know nothing can harm you, because He’s right there beside you. So yes, some nights are hard. Some nights we go back to the house wondering if we can ever go back again. Some nights we struggle with the things we have seen and heard. But no matter what, every night, I crawl back into my Father’s arms and rest in His peace and comfort, thankful to be chosen to do His work.
