Some days I resent not being further along in my growth and maturity. I wish I didn’t have such deep and long fault lines, such cyclical and haunting weaknesses.

And yet—even as I grieve my weaknesses and the mess they make—I know I wouldn’t trade what I’ve experienced in Jesus for less brokenness. Would I really wish away the worst of me if it meant missing out on the best of him?

It’s the fragility woven into every fiber of my being (mentally, emotionally, relationally, physically) that sends me running into his arms time and again—arms I fall into, saying, “Jesus, I can’t, but you can. I’m weak but you’re strong.”

It’s why I’ll never stop desperately needing him this side of heaven. He knows that my need will press me further into him, into his arms that hold me fast. Colossians 1:17 promises that he will hold me together—he will hold all the details of my life together—and being held together by God is life itself.

So how do I “run into his arms”? How do I find his strength in my weakness and experience him holding me together? Here are a few of the practical ways I do this:

I make time to regularly meet with him in his Word.

I make a habit of thanking him (even for the smallest things).

I picture him both sitting on his throne (Revelation 4) and holding my hand (Psalm 73:23).

I pour out my heart to him, telling him everything, unedited.

I stay in close relationship with life-giving friends and family and a healthy church who point me to him.

I memorize Scripture so I can hear his voice throughout my day, no matter where I am or what’s going on around me.

I confess my sin to him.

I ask him for what I need.

I sing songs that wake up my sluggish heart for him.

And when I can’t do any of these things, I simply cry, “Help!” And he has always, always answered that prayer. Generously. Stunningly.

I’m posting this with the prayer that however broken or weak you might feel today, you will experience the strong arms of Jesus holding you together, and you will know the comfort and joy of his nearness.

He is here, and his arms are strong.

For further encouragement from Scripture: Isaiah 41:10, Psalm 73:23-24, Psalm 6:9.