In my hometown, there is a theme park that has this roller coaster - one I promised myself I would never go on again. It is a 335 foot freestanding drop tower (for your viewing pleasure, I've attached a picture of this roller coaster below). As soon as you get to the top, the “very safe” chairs are positioned so that you are looking and hanging towards the ground. My eye were shut tight, heart pounding, palms sweating and knuckles white as I held on and contemplated my life choices. After some excruciating seconds slowly passed, the drop came. 335 feet. Nope. Nope. Nope. Never again. |
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Whenever I read passages in the Bible about clinging to Jesus, this is the mental image that comes to mind - me clinging to Jesus for safety like I was clinging to my seat over 300 feet above the ground. But you see, I wasn't safe on the roller coaster because I was clinging tight enough. I was safe because the ride was secure. I was strapped in and wasn't going anywhere. Recently, I spoke with a friend who has been going through a particularly difficult season and she said, “I am trying to cling to His joy”. I think so many of us, like my friend, are seeking to cling to Jesus in our difficult moments; which is amazing. We even see clear examples of this in Scripture. In Psalm 63, we are met with a disheartened and weary David who was in the middle of fleeing for his life from his own son, Absalom. However, in the middle of this, he says, “for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me” (Psalm 63:7-8, ESV). Clinging to Jesus and the promises of God is good and a symbol of trust and faith. But likkkkkeeee am I the only one who feels like clinging to Jesus feels more like a roller-coaster ride where our knuckles have turned white from holding on for dear life? As I chatted with my friend, the Lord reminded me of something - the Lord holds on to us too. When our heart is pounding or breaking and we reach out and cling to Jesus - we are not safe because we cling. Our clinging is a demonstration of faith and trust. We are safe because we are held in the hands of God and cannot be removed. So today, I want this truth to wash over you and take deep roots in your heart. You are held by the hands that nailed to the cross for our salvation. You are held by the hands that hold the world in perfect balance. We may cling to Him - but He holds us too. |
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Psalm 139:8-10 | Isaiah 46:3-4 | John 10:28-30 | Deuteronomy 31:6 |
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- “If I ascend to heaven you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me” (Psalm 139:8-10, ESV).
- “Listen to me, O house of Jacob, all the remnant of the house of Israel, who have been borne by me from before your birth, carried from the womb; even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save” (Isaiah 46:3-4, ESV).
- “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one” (John 10:28-30, ESV)
- “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6, ESV).
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My dear friend, rest today in know that you are held in the strong, loving arms of Jesus. |
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- Take a moment to read through today's verses. Which verse from today sticks out to you the most?
- What does being held by God mean to you?
- Listen to You Hold Me Now by Hillsong Worship or listen to the Weekend Rest + Reflect playlist on Spotify here.
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Hello Lord, Today, I cling to you. I cling to your Word, your promises, your faithfulness, and all the ways I have seen you show up in the past. Not only do I cling to you, but I rest in knowing that I am not clinging to you alone, but that you too are holding me fast, here to comfort, lead, and never let go. You are a good good Father and I praise you for all you are doing on my behalf. I love you, Oh Lord my Strength, In your name, Amen. |
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I'd love to hear your thoughts or questions about today's devo! Hit reply to send me an email :) |
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