Christian Daily Devotional

Christian Daily Devotional | How To Hold On To Christ In Hard Times

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
James 1:12 ESV

Something quite funny happened at work a few days ago. I work at a hippotherapy clinic where we do physical therapy on horseback for special needs and disabled children and adults.

We have one horse in particular who is young and a little silly and stubborn. Our fill-in therapist walked up the ramp and mounted the horse with the child who was there for therapy.

You see, she doesn’t have a whole lot of riding experience, but she fills in for our full-time physical therapist who is battling cancer and has to get treatments during the work week.

I have many years of horse experience, and so I can see things that are coming in their behavior before it actually happens. I could see the horse’s body stiffen up.

I saw him begin to lean down and back. Not only that, but I also noticed Buffie’s body stiffen and her eyes grew wide with fear.

I knew Woody was just leaning down for a quick stretch before the session. Buffie had no idea what was going on.

I just smiled and said, “Buffie, just hold on. It’s okay!”

Once he stretched and straightened his body back up, we were all so relieved.

I knew he wasn’t going to do anything crazy, but when you are on a horse, and they lean wayyyyyy down to stretch, it can be scary!

You do feel like maybe he will just dump you right off. Buffie said when she saw me smile and say “Hold on” she knew it would be okay.

In the same way, we need to trust our Father in heaven. He is the one with the reigns, and he is the one who knows what’s coming next. When you have an unexpected incident, and you feel fear or despair, just picture this story. Look to the Father as he smiles and says, “Just hold on, my child. It may be scary right now, but everything will be okay.”

Prayer: God, I come to you in awe and humility. I am so thankful you have a plan for this crazy life! When things in the world, or even just in my little world, get chaotic and scary, I am thankful that I can look to you, and you have a plan and a purpose. I do believe that you work all things out for good, just as you said in Romans 8:28. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for being in control in this out of control world, in Jesus’ name, Amen.