“I got you,” is a phrase that brings comfort when life is hard. It reminds us we are not alone. It gives us strength to carry on. It reduces fear. It lifts us up when we are struggling.
It was a particularly hard day. Work was challenging, grief was welling up, and I felt alone in my sadness. The first thing I do after a hard day is dump the details on my husband or a close friend. I am not only venting my frustrations, but I’m looking for support.
That evening I saw a Facebook post about the northern lights being visible in our area. My husband and I ran out the door expecting to drive down the road where the horizon is visible. The tree line across the street usually blocks any viewing from our house. Not this night. There was a bright glow coming over the trees. Directly above us was a beam of red light. The lights seem to converge at this white center directly over us. It was stunning. We stood there in awe and all I could thinks was this was just what I needed. God was saying, “I got you.”
I find comfort in nature, in the complexity of creation. It reminds me of the grandness of God. My logical brain knows God didn’t do this great display just for me, but it felt that way. I choose to accept it as a reminder that in the midst of my circumstances God is not an indifferent bystander.
6 “Be strong. Take courage. Don’t be intimidated. Don’t give them a second thought because God, your God, is striding ahead of you. He’s right there with you. He won’t let you down; he won’t leave you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6 MSG).
God continually reminds us in scripture to be strong and courageous, 11-15 times depending on the version you read. He also tells us 365 times to fear not. God knows we need continual reminders especially when times are hard. Whether it’s an incredible light show, a beautiful mountain scape, an eagle flying overhead, or anything else we choose to associate with God’s presence, we are leaning into Him and he’s saying, “I got you.”
What reminds you that God is in your midst caring for you? Is there a symbol that brings you comfort? Share your experience here and breathe life and bring hope to others.