"I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand."
John 10:28
Our Father holds us in his hands.
When my children were young, especially when they first started driving, I was paralyzed by fear. A million horrific scenarios ran through my mind as soon as one of my teens left the driveway on their own.
Never mind if they were driving a few miles away to their country school -- I was a terrified basket case.
Do you know the only way I found peace when they drove off?
I imagined them in my Father God's giant hands.
He created them, and wonder of wonders, He loves them even more than I do. That seems unimaginable, but I know it's true.
So I pictured my child in God's big hands, and I trusted that He would take care of him or her.
Now that I'm a grandmother, I understand all the more clearly how much God loves to hold His children.
My grandson, Jaxon is three months old. He's teething and I know that hurts his little mouth.
All I want to do is hold him and comfort him.
I know it's not good to hold him all day, as he won't learn to self-soothe. Yet when he's uncomfortable or in pain, I hold him tight. I rock him and soothe him. Not all day, and not every time he fusses, but with discernment when nothing else works and he needs that comfort.
I'm happy to hold him.
Never mind the laundry or cleaning or hundred other things that need to be done. My child needs me and I want to hold him.
The same goes for God and His children -- you and me.
He holds us always in HIs big, protective hands. He keeps His fingers loose enough to give us independence and free choice. But when we hurt, He wraps His hands around us. He comforts us and holds us tight. He rocks us and soothes us.
Cling tightly to your Father's hands. Don't jump from His grasp, stubbornly wanting to do it all on your own. Stay close and let your Father comfort you.
He yearns to comfort you and soothe away the hurt.
Your loving Father God wants to hold you.
"For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." Isaiah 41:13