When U Pray

Sitting in the Caribbean sun, listening to Mary J. Blige—she is truly one of my all-time favorite singers. Her music, her melodies, and her flow speak deeply to my soul. Today I’m listening to her song In the Meantime. The lyrics say:

In the meantime, what do you do?
When there’s no one left but you
And you’re alone
How do you feel when the one you love
Doesn’t, doesn’t seem real
Do you run, or do you try to heal
The hurt inside?
But oh, but in the meantime
I have found within myself
Everything I need to get by…

While I know she is speaking of carnal love, I hear God speaking these words to me. I have no need to fear, for He is with me. In the meantime, He will continue to love me. The words and phrases of her ballad align with what the Lord has always told me:

“Don’t worry—I am with you. Don’t be afraid—I am your God. I will make you strong and help you. I will support you with my right hand that brings victory.”
— Isaiah 41:10 (ERV)

“Be strong and brave. Don’t be afraid of those people because the Lord your God is with you. He will not fail you or leave you.”
— Deuteronomy 31:6 (ERV)

“So we know the love that God has for us, and we trust that love. God is love. Everyone who lives in love lives in God, and God lives in them.”
— 1 John 4:16 (ERV)

It is with great joy that I rest in the love I know God has for me—and for all of mankind. In the meantime, He will continue to love me, even when I don’t get it right. In the meantime, He will continue to love me, even when I struggle to love myself. In the meantime, He will continue to love me, because He is love.

So, when you find yourself challenged with loving yourself, remember: God never has that challenge. He simply waits for us to realize the truth.

I love you, on purpose.

Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Mary J. Blige / Terri E. Robinson / Richard C. Harrison
“In the Meantime” lyrics © Wb Music Corp., Emi Blackwood Music Inc., Mary J. Blige Music, Universal MCA Music Publishing U.S., Evelle Music, Dam Rich Music