Embracing Your True Self: Living in Your Christ-Centered Identity With Jennifer SlatteryNäide

You are held.

Years ago, a conversation with a certain family member plunged me into sorrow so deep, my chest physically hurt. I suspect part of my pain came from unprocessed wounds the situation triggered—inflicted by those who should’ve held tight to me as a kid but discarded me instead.

Struggling to breath, I hung up the phone, immediately overcome by the deep-chested, snotty-nosed crying that leaves your eyes gritty, throat raw, and heart aching for relief. Upon hearing me, my husband rushed into our bedroom, where I laid on our bed. He encompassed me in a full-body hug, stating over and over, “I love you. I love you. I love you.” And suddenly, it hit me. That was Jesus, holding me through my husband. While that didn’t erase my pain, it assured me I wasn’t alone it.

This is the promise God makes to us. While we may not experience His comforting embrace in a tangible way, as I did that afternoon, we can trust that He is holding us in our painful, overwhelming, confusing, and joyous moments. He will never let us go or relax His grip.

Journal Prompts:

When are you most aware of God’s presence? How does it feel to know you are held by your Savior? Spend some time meditating and journaling on this out so that you anchor your brain in this truth. Ask God to help you sense His nearness, find comfort in His love, and healing in His embrace.