You’ve been carrying so much for so long that it’s started to feel permanent — like this is just who you are now.

But God says otherwise.

You: Will my life ever feel lighter again?

God: Yes.

The lightness is finding its way back to you in pieces.

– Jacqueline Whitney

You: How do you know?

God: Because lightness isn’t gone. It’s just hidden underneath everything you’ve been carrying. The weight isn’t permanent. It’s a season. And the season is going to lift.

You: It doesn’t feel that way.

God: I know. When you’re inside the heaviness, it feels like it’s always been this way. Like it’s who you are now. Like the version of you who used to laugh easily and sleep peacefully and feel okay is gone forever.

You: I miss that version of me.

God: She’s not gone. She’s been quiet because she had to be quiet to survive this. But she’s coming back. Slowly. One small moment at a time. You’ll catch glimpses of her before you catch up to her.

You: When does it start feeling different?

God: It already is. You just haven’t noticed because the shifts are small. You’re sleeping a little better. You’re spiraling a little less. You’re laughing once in a while without forcing it. The lightness is finding its way back to you in pieces.

You: Promise?

God: I promise. Lightness is coming. The heaviness was never the final chapter. Hold on. You’re closer to feeling like yourself again than you realize.

Jacqueline Whitney is the author Held: A 50 Day Devotional For Parents and All That You Deserve.