You Don’t Have to Be Strong: Why God Meets You When You’re Falling Apart - iBelieve Truth: A Devotional for Women - November 18
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit" (Psalm 34:18, NIV).
I was nearing the end of my fifth year of teaching, but I could barely hold it together. For the last three years, I'd spent day after day at work followed by more work in a Master 's-level program. From sunrise to sunset, I'd teach, write, edit, and write some more.
In the mirror, I was becoming a hollow shell of my former self. My eyes were fading, and I was a rope barely holding on. Most days, I was exhausted, and today, I was deteriorating. As I attended another ruthless Critique Call, I crumbled. That day, the feedback was too much.
As my weight hit the floor, my knees bent into a feeble position as I sobbed. I felt so heavy. So heavy that I didn't know how I would go on. I was almost done teaching, but I was on the verge of breaking. Doubts filled my mind:
Could I really leave my job?
Could I truly make it as an author?
Was I good enough?
That day, I realized that many of us feel the need to "be strong" or "keep it together" all the time. We feel like we can't fall apart, not for a moment, and not even when we're overwhelmed. We somehow convince ourselves that Jesus can't see our mess. He shouldn't see our mess. It's far too embarrassing, right?
But friends, Jesus' meeting us exactly where we are is what's been promised to us—not where we pretend to be.
In Psalm 34:18, we read that our Heavenly Father is close to those who are broken and weary. Those who are tired and ready to give up. He's closest not when we're strong, but when we are shattered. Why? Because that's when we learn to rely and depend on Him all the more.
Culture tells us to "just push through," but if we listen for the stillness, the spiritual truth is that God is with us, even in this moment. You don't have to or need to push through. You need to come as you are, burdened, heavy, and weary.
In the midst of our messy middle, we can be reminded that Jesus was also there for those in the Gospel. Time and time again, Jesus met people in exhaustion, fear, sickness, and grief. Because Jesus is not disgusted or run off by your humanity, he draws nearer to it because He came for those in need. He came to care for the sick and the needy. Not those who don't know their need for Him.
If you're feeling like you have to hold it all together today, let me give you three gentle reminders.
1. It's okay to cry. Your tears are not failures, but prayers lifted to God. Remember, He sees and collects every single one because He cares about you.
2. You can be real. I know it's tempting to say you're fine, but don't. Remember, honesty is an act of worship. God desires the real you. Will you show it to Him?
3. Surrender, Don't Control. At the end of the day, true strength is found not in being strong, but in being weak. We find strength in surrender, not control, because it realigns our trust in Christ, not ourselves. Practical ways to surrender include using a breath prayer, journaling, talking to a friend or counselor, taking a rest, and asking for help.
What's one area of your life you've been trying to control or hold together on your own? How might God be asking you to release it? Pray through these questions today and ask the Lord to speak to your heart.
Dear Jesus, I'm feeling so heavy and broken. When I'm feeling this way, please remind me that you see me and are near. You're close to the brokenhearted and care about what I'm feeling. In the middle of what hurts and what I can't hold together, please be my strength. Remind me that when I'm weak, I'm strong, and I can be real today. I don't need to hold it all together, and you never asked me to. We love, praise, and thank you, Jesus. Amen.
Related Resource: Soft Words for Hard Days: A Conversation with Aundi Kolber
Some days feel heavy. Some moments leave us wondering how to keep going. If you’ve ever longed for encouragement amid life’s hardest moments, I have a special episode of The Love Offering for you. This week, I’m joined by therapist and bestselling author Aundi Kolber to discuss her latest book, Take What You Need: Soft Words for Hard Days. This beautiful collection of quotes, scriptures, prayers, and gentle exercises is designed to be a balm for your most tender places—a reminder that you are never alone on your journey to healing.
In our conversation, we explore:
✨ How to hold space for yourself and others in difficult seasons
✨ The power of compassionate words when life feels overwhelming
✨ Practical ways to embrace healing and take one more step forward
If you like what you hear, be sure to subscribe to The Love Offering on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
