"Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with My victorious right hand." Isaiah 41:10 NLT
My little 2 year-old daughter will often say to me "Hold hand, mommy" with a quiet pleading in her voice. She will say it as we are walking down stairs, in a busy place or sometimes even walking down the hallway in our home. Sometimes she is just wanting to hold my hand for fun, while other times it's because she is nervous or afraid of something. My almost 5 year-old does not ask to hold my hand as often. She's more confident in herself walking down a set of stairs or walking beside me in a store, even though there are still times when she just wants to be close to me; wants to feel my presence.
I look at the way each of my daughters needs me or reaches for me and can't help but compare their needs to how I need God. There are times when I, like my 2 year-old, will cling the Word of God, desperately needing Him close and soaking up His presence. These are the times when I usually see and feel the danger of being pulled away from Him. But there are times when I feel confident in myself, like my oldest daughter, and don't feel like holding on to the Lord's hand or clinging to Him. I walk along, thinking that I see everything around me clearly and that although I know God is there if I need Him, I don't need to hold on to His hand.
But how many times do I not see the danger of not clinging to God, just like my oldest who might not see the car backing up as we walk through a parking lot or the patch of ice at the bottom of the steps.
As I read this verse from Isaiah, I usually take these truths and tuck them away for a day when I am afraid or discouraged or needing help. But the truth of the matter is that every day, no matter if I "feel" like I need God to be there or not, He is there. He already knows my day, my stresses, my upcoming struggles and He is already victorious over them. And although I may not be able to anticipate them, even if I try to, He is with me and I need to hold on to His hand whether I feel confident in myself or not. I need to have the attitude of my 2 year-old, who wants to enjoy holding my hand, even if there is not any danger that I can see or feel.
Because above all, He is victorious over all that could harm me today.
Thanks for sharing this Erin. I really love that verse, the promise that we don't need to be discouaged or afraid because God is always beside us guiding our step along the way. The Great I am is always with us. So promising and reasuring that He already knows our struggles and concerns and will guides through our journey in life. Yes we need to be like a little child and want to hold on to His Hand even when everything is fine.
ReplyDeleteI love this post! My children are the same ages so your connection really resonates with me. I also have the habit of, at times, thinking I can do it on my own when I should be drawing closer.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this!
Great reflections Erin. I love how you put it into real life perspective that we can relate to. We all need to be like small children, holding on for comfort and safety! Amen!
ReplyDeleteErin Cuomo, OBS Group Leader
Great job Erin as always. Loved it and especially when you wrote, "He already knows my day, my stresses, my upcoming struggles and He is already victorious over them." I know that but forget it. May have to share that one in my group. Hugs sweet one and hope you have the most wonderful day. Debbie W. (OBS Leader)
ReplyDelete