Held in His Love

A mother who had five children was once asked, “Which one do you love the most?” She smiled and said, “I love them all the same.” Then she explained, “When one is sick, I love that one the most. When one is hurting, that’s the one I love the most. When one is struggling, that’s the one who gets my attention. I love them all, but the one who is in need—that’s the one I run to.”

What a profound answer. And it beautifully reflects the way our Heavenly Father loves us. When your heart is heavy … when you are carrying the weight of disappointment, dealing with loss, rejection, pain, or uncertainty. That’s when God’s love surrounds you the most. Not because you’ve done something to deserve it, not because you’re more worthy than others, but simply because you need it most in that moment.

Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” It doesn’t say He is near to the strong, or the successful, or those who seem to have it all together. It says He is near to the brokenhearted. Which means if you’re walking through sorrow, if your spirit feels crushed, you are not forgotten. You are not alone. God is closer than you think; closer than your next breath.

Just like that mother with her five children, when one is hurting, her love rushes to meet that child’s need. She holds them closer. She watches over them more carefully. She gives them special attention. And that’s what God does for us in our time of trouble. His love becomes our refuge, our shelter, our safe place in the storm.

So if you’re going through something today, don’t run from God, but run to Him. If you’re hurting, tell Him. If you’re confused, lean on Him. If you’re weary, rest in Him. Because in this moment, you may be the one who is hurting, but you are also the one who is most on His heart. You are the one He is holding. And you are the one most surrounded by His love.