I Won’t Let Go!

I have a poem hanging on my office wall behind my computer monitor that I look at when I go through difficult times. I have been dealing with issues for the last 15 years. There are times when my health issues are particularly bad, and I feel I cannot go on. At those times I look up at that Poem. It is titled “I Won’t Let Go!” This poem has provided great comfort to me many times.

 “I Won’t Let Go!” I want to let go, but I won’t let go. There are battles to fight, By day and by night, For God and the right—And I’ll never let go. I want to let go, but I won’t let go. I’m sick, ‘tis true, Worried and blue, And worn through and through, But I won’t let go. I want to let go, but I won’t let go. I will never yield! What! lie down on the field, And surrender my shield? No, I’ll never let go! I want to let go, but I won’t let go. May this be my song “Mid legions of wrong—Oh, God, keep me strong That I may never let go!”—Author Unknown.

The last line of that poem, “Oh, God, keep me strong That I may never let go!” That is the key when we feel that we can’t go on. It’s not through our strength, it’s God’s strength. As always, we need to look to Scripture to help us find strength and comfort through God. The author of Psalm 119 wrote; “My soul melts from heaviness; Strengthen me according to Your word. (Psalm 119:28 NKJV)

Scripture is where we need to turn to find answers, especially during difficult and trying times. The writer of Hebrews says; “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12) Too many people think the Bible is outdated and doesn’t apply to our lives now. It is through reading Scripture and by prayer that God has brought me through these last 15 years and gives me the strength to continue serving Him.

King David wrote in Psalms 37; “But the salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; He is their strength in the time of trouble.  And the Lord shall help them and deliver them; He shall deliver them from the wicked, And save them, Because they trust in Him.” (Psalm 37:39-40 NKJV)

Psalm 46 says; “God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling. (Psalm 46:1-3 NKJV)

When you feel you cannot go on, turn to God through Scripture and prayer.

Pastor Timothy Hammond

Oak Street Baptist Church