Remember that song we used to sing when we were kids? “Yes, Jesus Loves Me.” It was one of my favorites when I was a kid, and my oldest kiddo sings it, too. It’s a simple, uplifting song that can remind us, even as adults, that no matter what we’re facing, we’ve got the love of Jesus behind us.

A part that really builds me up is the verse that goes, “Little ones to him belong: they are weak, but he is strong.”

It’s a comfort to children because they know that the most powerful, good and almighty son of God has got their backs, no matter what. Nothing is bigger, greater or stronger, and they can take comfort in that. However, as adults, we also need that encouragement from time to time.

We, too, even as we are grown people, can feel broken and downtrodden. Maybe someone has singled us out, tried to break us down and we feel the hurt behind the sharp words and actions. Maybe we are struggling with addiction or can’t handle the pressure of certain situations. Maybe we are getting down on ourselves because we didn’t do what we thought we would do and we find ourselves stuck in a rut.

Maybe we feel like life has been nothing but a series of hassles and we’re ready to give up.

If this describes you, my friends, then welcome to the club — we’re all card-carrying members. We’re busted-up, beaten down and broken.

However, in these situations when we feel the weakest and least able to shoulder the load, Jesus is there to provide strength and encouragement.

In 2 Corinthians 12, Paul discusses having a “thorn in his flesh.” Have you ever had such a persistent, annoying thing that digs at you constantly and tries to hurt you every chance it gets? Paul had that kind of an experience, but he then realized that God was using it to provide himself glory and to make sure that Paul did not become conceited.

In 2 Corinthians 12:9, Paul wrote:

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

Sometimes, what seems like a time of trial that just won’t go away or a persistent problem — your thorn — is in fact an opportunity that allows you to lean on the Lord more fully.

God’s grace is enough, and we all must realize that we need God’s strength to get through these trying times.

The comfort here is: you’re not going at it alone.

Throughout the week, if you hear me humming, “Yes, Jesus Loves Me,” you’ll know why.