When You Need To Be Held

February 21, 2016

I recently visited a childhood landmark and I wanted to share the experience with you. I pray you are encouraged.

As I stand at the back of the old auditorium and take a deep breath, I remember. I can hear the sound of the preacher’s voice and remember the conviction that would pour over my childhood soul. I wanted to love Jesus with all my heart, but even then, as a little girl, I knew I failed Him.

I remember the familiar smell and the sight of the old wooden pews that seemed to go on and on. And then it hit me. Right up there, on the far right front pew is where I met Jesus for the very first time. I knew His life story, I knew many songs about Him, and I had even memorized a long list of scripture verses from His Word. But on a Sunday night many years ago as I listened to my daddy preach, I knew I needed more than knowledge about Him. I needed to know Jesus personally.

I knelt on the rough, blue carpet, pressed my knees in deep and told God that I wanted Jesus in my heart as my personal friend. In my childish mind I imagined Jesus at the door knocking and me running to open it. He walked in and held me. Today He continues to hold me as I think back on the past.

My dad, who once stood at the old brown pulpit with the cross at the center, and allowed the Holy Spirit to speak through him, is no longer in my life. It’s been over twenty-seven years since I’ve heard him preach or even looked into his eyes. He chose a different path, went another way, and abandoned the little girl who knelt on the old, blue carpet.

I don’t know why daddy left, but I do know this – Jesus has never stopped holding me, not one day. He held me then, when as a little girl and my sensitive heart swelled with tears big enough to consume my rosy cheeks, and He holds me now as the tears trickle down the same face smeared with years of questions.

I feel like God gave me an answer today. A reminder of His love for me.

He said:

I held you then, I hold you today.
Even though some have gone astray.
So dry your tears and stand up tall.
Let no evil come to call.
Remember the day I came into your life,
The way I held you through the strife.
Think of my love, protection, and grace,
And wipe those tears away from your face.
You’re stronger now and wiser too,
No one can take Me away from you.
I’m here to stay and always will,
So let me hold you, my child, be still.

I’m not sure what you face today or what you’ve been through in the past, but I do know this – Jesus is there to hold you and love you through it. Be still and let Him.

Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Psalm 51:12(KJV)

If you’ve been through a trial that God has carried you through, share it in the comments. If you are in the midst of a difficult time, share your burden and you will be prayed for this week. God is able to comfort the broken.

The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18(ESV)