Never Alone: Unpack Loneliness and Revitalize Your HeartSample

Devotional

The word resilience has often been thrown around in modern times, but I prefer grit. In a nutshell, they both refer to a person’s ability to weather through life stressors. Notice I didn’t say “get over”? I radically dislike that saying! The reason behind avoiding terminology like that is that it discounts the experience and space you are in. It matters! There’s no getting over what’s causing your heart pain, but we can work through it and make it to the other side.

Instead, I encourage you to create what I term the guard-your-heart toolbox to help you. Fill it with things like music, exercise, Bible study, and prayer – all the things that bring you joy. Though it doesn’t erase the storm you’re weathering, it will infuse joy into your life as you unpack it all.

The best part of building a toolbox to prepare for life’s hardships and build grit? Our awesome, amazing, and patient God. Let Him be your strength when you think you have none—there’s nothing too big for Him. His Word should always be how we build the foundation of that imagined shield for guarding our hearts or developing our grit to tackle life. The rest of the things we do to prepare and cope are the figurative nuts and bolts of support. He is the deep and strong foundation we build it all upon. God is our true secret weapon to tackling all the hard stuff—and winning.

When we last left our study through Ruth, you witnessed her in all her glory. When Naomi tried to send her away, she eloquently refused and said the words you should hold dear: “Where you go, I go.” The women made their way to Bethlehem together. Their hardships weren’t over either, being alone in a country without protection—the odds were stacked against them. But they were ready with a plan (or toolbox) to tackle their challenges.

Guarding your heart against hurt to build grit takes time and a lot of internal processing. But guess what? You can do this with your Bible in hand, which is sure to help guide you through your journey. I wonder if you are holding on to some old hurts inside your heart as you navigate this plan. Though it may be one of the hardest things you’ve done, I’d like you to write those down. Why? Because we must acknowledge the things weighing us down, no matter how long ago they occurred in our lives. This may not come without tears or heaviness in your heart.

But Jesus has some comfort for you! In Matthew 11:27–30, He tells us, “All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Let our Lord fill your weary soul, my friend.