Monday, March 26, 2012

Hold His Hand



I remember sitting in school pretending to hold Jesus' hand when I was really little. When I was 6 years old, I got blisters from the monkey bars. I remember standing in line at the drinking fountain. It stung so bad, and I prayed that He would take the pain away, and He did. I'll never forget the soothing calm I felt at that moment.


Blisters are caused by fiction, something we are maybe trying so hard to grasp and hang onto. Or maybe something unnatural is clinging to us. It's uncomfortable, it's causing damage. The body's reaction is to cushion the point with fluid, and for a time that holds the pain at bay. But, eventually it wears down. On our own we are fragile. The skin will break after repeated abuse, and the pain of exposed and raw flesh is blinding. 


We don't stay broken. God made our bodies to heal, the broken places grow stronger, the pain fades, and callouses form. It is okay to become calloused to some things. Life is hard, and bad things happen. We are all called to help others carry their burdens. Sometimes we need an extra layer of skin to protect our hearts. Build those healthy spots. Guard your heart with wisdom. Don't be afraid to remove the things that cause unhealthy friction on your heart. Don't cling to the things/people that destroy you. Reach out for Jesus, let Him hold your hand and take the hurt. Let Him lead you to where you were meant to be all along, and I promise, there is nothing like that soothing calm.


Do not live in fear of your past, or in the fear or your future. Your worth is not determined by what you have done or what you might do. Figuring it all out on your own is not the answer. He's already figured it out, it's under control. Let it go.


The Word
Psalm 91:14-16 (The Message)
"If you'll hold on to me for dear life," says GOD,  "I'll get you out of any trouble. I'll give you the best of care if you'll only get to know and trust me. Call me and I'll answer, be at your side in bad times; I'll rescue you, then throw you a party. I'll give you a long life, give you a long drink of salvation!" 


(The Amplified)
Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him; I will set him on high, because he knows and understands My name [has a personal knowledge of My mercy, love, and kindness--trusts and relies on Me, knowing I will never forsake him, no, never]. He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him My salvation.


Personal
Life is a strange balancing act. Between guarding my heart and learning to let go and trust, between planning for the future and lavishing in the present moment. I'm amazed at the ways the person I am morphs, grows, and changes. My identity is the same. Grounded in Christ, I remain. Without that love, I know I wouldn't be able to go on. I am so thankful for His love and grace in my life, His touch upon my heart, and His hands that keep me coming back to Him. I'm forever overwhelmed by that kind for forgiveness and love: life changing, soul searching, and habit breaking love.