Text: Luke 12:4-7, John 3:16-17, 1 Peter 1:3-9
We took our kids to Disney World for spring break this year.
Since we believe ourselves to be the “go big, just once” type of Disney-goers, rather than the “go briefly and often” type, we booked seven days of park-hopping magic, determined to experience every inch of every park at least twice. Ultimate Disney satisfaction. And, as it turns out, exhaustion.
Disney World is a crowded place. With the spring break crowds added to the mix, we quickly discovered a natural human reflex we called the “Disney Grasp.” By hour six of day five, somewhere between Splash Mountain and Casey’s Corner, Oliver registered a polite complaint, “Mom, I don’t like the way you’re holding my hand. It’s just kind of straight and floppy—I need you to squeeze your fingers around mine.”
This would have been a darling request in any other setting, but his hand was sweaty, and my fingers were tired and a little stiff from five days straight of hand holding (punctuated, of course, by the thrill of waving freely in the breeze on a fun rollercoaster ride for three minutes every three hours). Oliver wanted me to squeeze with meaning, and at that moment, all I really wanted was to find a quiet place and not be touched or talked to for just a minute.
Of course, I complied. He didn’t want to hold my limp-fish hand and I wanted him to feel secure. I would continue to forget his preferred squeeze-level, however, and he would have to reach across his body and wrap my fingers back around his every hour or so for the rest of our trip. He knew my hand was tired, and I knew he wanted to be held tight, and so I thanked him for reminding me and readjusted my grip.
Parent-child relationships can be beautiful examples of how we relate with God. But when it comes to the realities of permanent and passing away, even the most enduring love of a parent cannot hold up. I love my son like crazy, and it is my job to keep him safe, but my hand eventually gives way. I get tired and I forget to hold him tight.
It’s not that way with God.
Because everything in this world is fragile, there is no real-life metaphor for holding tight to something that is actually secure. We hold out of fear, we grip out of anxiety or prevention, and we eventually lose our grip every time. But because the gospel of Jesus Christ is permanent, it is not subject to the same shortcomings of anything that is passing away.
Hear that. The gospel is not passing away.
God does not let go.
The very nature of the gospel is different than anything else around us. Scripture calls our gospel inheritance “a living hope.” Not a dying hope. The apostle Peter describes it as, “imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you.” And the hope of the not-passing-away gospel is literally being “guarded” by God Himself (1 Peter 1:3–5).
Guarded in heaven by God’s own power. No wonder He tells us not to fear. No wonder He promises we can stake our lives on His Truth. This is why God told Abram, “Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.” It’s why the angel of the Lord said to Mary, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people” (Luke 2:10, emphasis mine).
The gospel is good news. It is not scary news.
The gospel calls us to hold tight. But it also reminds us that we are already being held.
The above is an excerpt from Chapter 9 of the book She Reads Truth: Holding Tight to Permanent in a World That’s Passing Away, written by Raechel Myers and Amanda Bible Williams. Find She Reads Truth, the book, on Amazon or anywhere books are sold.
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177 thoughts on "He Won’t Let Go"
He is never failing and always there- no matter how for we wander or go, He always has a firm grasp stretched out for us to hold onto.it is such a much needed reminder of His unfailing, unflappable, neverchanging or ending,
Amen! Endlessly thankful for this gift.
The word of God remains FOREVER ♥️
He isn’t going away. Not today. Not tomorrow. Not ever. He is here now and always will be. He will comfort you like a blanket on a freezing night, like the sun on a dark, rainy day. His love is like no other, everlasting and better than anything you could ever imagine. Let’s give Him all the praise and glory He is worthy of. God, You are my shield, my best friend, my Savior, my coach, my almighty Lord❤️
Having lost my mom a few years ago, this is really impactful imagery for me. He never loosens his grasp. The gospel never dies. Love this!
Living hope and a love that won’t let go. So good!
Keep holding me tight Lord! Thank you
I am so thankful God holds us tight and never lets go.
God will never release his grip from us ❤️
He doesn’t let go even though my hand often becomes the limp fish.
Needed to hear this today!
Although we sin it is important to remember God forgives us, however each sin we committed was an act that hurt Jesus
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So good to remember that God’s grip never gets tired or forgets to hold on to me!
Loved this one
Love this comment. So accurate.
To be reminded that I am seen, and held. It’s by His grace and power. Not mine.
Amen. Thank you God that you never let me go. That your word is a living hope
It’s crazy that everything we hold on earth, we hold out of fear and anxiety of losing it. The only thing we hold that we know won’t be taken and won’t let us down is the gospel and our relationship with God. I pray to learn how to hold my relationship with God more tightly and hold everything else with open hands.
“Hear that. The Gospel is not passing away. God does not let go.” There is life and power in these words that came like oxygen to my soul this morning. A powerful, Good Friday reminder.
Thank you Raechel and Amanda for your words and your ministry xx
Really really needed this reminder and reassurance of God’s constant protection and presence during this crazy time of COVID-19. Thank you Lord!
“There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while.” Amen!!
Amen! I love the hand holding image. God gave me that image many years ago, it’s wonderful to be reminded of it again. I am held and I will hold on.
Imperishable, undefiled, unfading- being in heaven with God will never grow old or expire, will never have a connotation of shame, sadness or evil, will never lose its first-impression glory. Heaven is so much higher than our finite minds could ever imagine.
We have a living hope. We are promised persecution and pain, but our final reward is secure. The word of the Lord is forever.
Praise the lord
Thank you. This is everything i’ve needed in this season. I recently got engaged, moved to a new location after 7 years of living in the same place, started a new job and starting a new community. Everything is new, and i feel small and insecure through all of this. In addition, after day 3 of moving, i lost my engagement ring. I have felt stripped beyond compare as if my world was being taken away from me and everything i loved was gone. I had nothing to hold on to. Except Jesus. In this season (or past two weeks) the Lord has continued to reveal to me how much i have been putting my identity and security in things i can tangibly hold instead of who already holds me – my Father! I am resting and putting my faith in the things that i see instead of that i cannot – my Father! What a beautiful revelation that i AM secure, i have family, i have lost nothing. In fact, i’m losing the world and gaining Christ. Which, isn’t that part of our purpose? Not to gain precious gems and jewelry or accolades or success, but to walk in obedience and be willing to lose everything to gain relationship with our Father and his children. Wow.
7Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.
I love this series so much!!!!
Such a good reminder!!! He does not let go! Ever!
This is SO GOOD. God always holds tight to us even though we feel like we aren’t holding tight enough. He never lets go of us. He is always by our side to help guide us through life and our purpose. This was such a beautiful way of describing his grace with us. The gospel is our guided instruction on living the best life with God. I’m thankful for his unconditional love.
That last line! It reminds me of a message I heard that said when a baby is sick, they can only comprehend that they don’t feel good, so they cry and their mom or dad holds them. But as a parent, you know it’s just a cold or a fever that will pass and even though you hold your child with that knowledge, it grieves you to see your child in pain and that you can not communicate it to them. Nonetheless the child is comforted by being held. I too am comforted by God our father who holds me with such tender care and wisdom.
Love that message so much!!
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My grandfather died 2 days ago. I’m scared, hurt, anxious, and angry all at once. I admit I’ve been slipping away from You Lord, but now I know that You are still holding onto me. Thank You always for Your neverending Grace.
I hope you are doing well Aeesha
Praying for you! I hope you’re doing better ☺️
As a parent to to adult children I often look back and wonder did I do it right, could/should I have done something different this reading reassures me I did my best and God was with us through it all. He’s never let go and continues to guide me.
Father you know my heart. As I cried just to be held and your very words appeared. I am held each and every day, fully and completely loved by you.
I loved today reading and the story about Disney world.
This really makes me excited to have kids because it truly will be a beautiful picture of God and I… I think it will be a huge door opened for my eyes to see what God wants me to see.
I am a mama of 3 and I can assure you this will be VERY true!
Today’s reading was super helpful! I was talking to someone yesterday about how sometimes our parents mess up and how they aren’t always perfect. But God never lets go and it’s really cool that we can have security in that.
Loved today’s reading! To know that this God doesn’t forget me and always pursues to show us his love!
“You rejoice with inexpressible and glorious joy, because you are receiving the goal of your faith— the salvation of your souls.” This verse’s trust resonates deep within me. It gives us permission to praise and celebrate God’s love for us and it deliberately states the goal of our faith: the salvation of our souls. We can rest assured knowing that the Lord’s love for us is all-consuming and all-power. He will protect us and guide us into it is time for Him to call us home.
such a good word man.. I love when it talks about holding tight,, but to remember we are already held. He who called us is faithful. we serve a mighty God. whom shall I fear. no one. His blood is enough. His blood was enough & His blood will STILL be enough tomorrow, the next day & then every day after that. praise God.
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He never lets go of us. He brings us higher than ever through Jesus, the living hope!!
Jesus is our hope. He will never let us go.
God’s not letting go! That’s all that matters.
I’m thankful that I am held all the time, even when I’m not giving it a second thought because I am preoccupied with the things of this temporary world. Lord I love you and humbly bow before you in thankfulness and gratitude.
Thank you God for holding me tight, keeping my safe, and never letting go!
A gentle reminder to myself: just because you may not feel held, does not mean that you are not being held, ever so tightly. A tight that this worldly world can’t even fathom.
Amen to that!
Perfectly said ♥️
It touched my heart! God Bless ☺️
How awesome that My God is holding me.
I like that we are to rejoice in salvation. We forget this too often.
I’m feeling the pain and sorrow of failure today from a thorn in my side which I can’t seem to shake. I have hurt someone so dear to me out of my own fears, selfishness and pride. These scriptures have convicted me, I should not feel self-pity or condemn myself, but rejoice in discipline which is love, and truth which is Jesus Christ, that’s what the Gospel is all about. The ultimate price has already been paid.
Beautiful. I have a lot of anxiety and often struggle with feeling that the bible is antiquated or unrelatable, and then I read the passage for today from 1 Peter, and I remember that to give in to those thoughts is the easy way out, my faith is being TESTED. And those weird feelings, are mine, not God’s. He is unchanging. Thank you SRT. This is such a blessing!
We are called to “hold tight to the gospel,” But we don’t have to worry because the gospel also reminds us that we are already being held!
“We are already being held.” Amen
He is always holding our handing.
Beautiful and a good reminded I needed this Monday. God bless!
Beautiful. God holds tight –
This is true and much needed at this time. There’s something to be said that no matter what situation you are dealing with, that God has you in his embrace.
This spoke to me because when i was weak, HE strengthened me. when i would worry, HE comforted me. I had to deliver my son at 29 weeks and he weighed 2lbs 4 oz. before deliver, my doctor didn’t know if we would make it (went into it blind). My son spent 3 months in the NICU. He is 5 months and you can’t even tell he was early. GOD is great
This is a beautiful testimony. Praise God for your healthy boy and for holding your hand and strengthening you in that time! Thanks for sharing your story!
Rejoicing with you!! God is so great
Love this!!
The fear of God swallows up all other fear
Thank you for this reminder that our personal parenting love is good but perfect–but our Father’s love is perfect and eternal.
Our God is our “living hope”, that never dies and prevails even in the hard times. God’s love is the only place we can find real peace and hope, our mighty God! the God of my Salvation!
Love it as always! I’ve been up all night and I’m taking my husband to work here soon! Just thankful that God is helping me keep my right mind, and not letting anxiety get the best of me!
Beautiful imagery of Holding Tight to Permanent. This resonates with me as a mom. The love I feel for my children is so huge. And knowing God loves bigger than that is amazing. And he doesn’t falter ever. Thinking about Him guarding our hope -the most powerful being, the creator himself- should fill me with resolution and security and unwavering faith. This was a beautiful reminder of that. Thanks!
I could agree more! I think about the overwhelming love I have for my daughter & then I am left in awe because I know His love for her and myself is deeper still. What an amazing Father we have!
I’m listening to Bethel on Spotify while reading this and right at the end where it reminds us we need not fear, “No Longer Slaves” comes on…. I’m no longer a slave to fear. I am a child of GOD!
I really liked this idea of God holding my hand firmly. So many times in my life I have looked for that same reassurance and security of someone being there for me in that way. Whether it was a lever to hold me tight and cherish me always. Or a friend would always be there. But sometimes as people are human they let go of my hand, they forget to call, they forget to catch up with me, or I’m left alone. When that happens I feel let down and disappointed and lonely. Reading this it’s given me hope in the God who never fails, who never lets go in Holts my salvation securely in His hands. I was looking for impermanent security in perishable things and people, but I really need to hold fast to the one who endures forever. Even when my hand grows weary, Jesus never lets go! Thank you for this message that I really needed to hear.
Tears in my eyes reading this! Praise you God for never letting go of my hand and never giving me limp fish hand shakes. You have held me time and time again and my hope is in YOU
Love this, again reminding me that it’s all his power and love that truly saves me. He has my hand and won’t let me go. ♡
So loved this. God lets us know we’re worth it and it’s comforting. He is so loving and merciful.
❤️❤️❤️ realizing the passing away is really making a closer relationship with God
Yes! I’m reminded of the song by Matt Redman:
Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go
In every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go
Lord, You never let go of me
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=NM14VZVu0og
He is everlasting God. A year after giving my life to the Lord, I’m finally grasping the unchanging love he has for me.
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Thank you for the beautiful reminder. The nitty gritty of life’s daily troubles can make it easy to forget that He is control. I rejoice because God will never, ever let go! :)
It’s weird in this world to imagine something that never ever ever fades or looses it’s stronghold on us, but in the same way I’m so incredibly thankful for that
Wrap Me In Your Arms – William McDowell
I loved your story about trip to Disney World & Oliver’s wise words! Raechel, your father-in-law is my cousin! Our fathers were brothers! This devotion reminds me of my childhood. When Mom would call me in for dinner, my Daddy met me in the bathroom. There, I would stand in a stepstool he had made, so I could reach the sink. Then Daddy would envelope my hands in his & he would wash my hands! It was a feeling of love, comfort, security. I liken this to the love of my Heavenly Father…holding me in His hands, through good times & difficult times. He never lets go! My Daddy died in 1991, after a short battle with cancer. He was at home, with hospice care. His nurse came to be with Mom, my sister, & I the day he passed. As she prepared his body for the funeral home, and knowing I was a nurse who had prepared many who had died in the hospital, she allowed me to stay with her. My final act of love for my Father was to wash his hands!
Tears, Debi! What a beautiful story. May you be reunited one day with your father, standing there at the feet of Jesus.
Praise the Lord..held firmly in the palm of His hand.
I took it this in it a different way. Instead of God being the parent and us being a child, I thought of us being the parent and God being the child and how he always wants us there, He always wants us to be intimate with Him and care for Him. He is not needy, but he wants love as well. He is so far and mighty that we can’t talk to Him like He is our friend. I hope we can be like best friends, even husband and wife. So, He can pursue me and I can continually pursue Him.
Ever since I read “The Truest Truth” on Day 2, of this current plan, the Lord has been leading me through a study on faith. Today’s (or yesterday’s, now) offering solidifies that focus for the week. I’m not a huge New Year’s Resolution person, but I do like to consider my goals and how this coming year will be different or improved from the last, and it seems quite clear as I’ve been seeking the Lord that faith is the theme for the coming year. I’ve stumbled in living faithfully this year, but is there ever really anything to fear? I don’t know too many people (including myself) who enjoy the unknown in life, but to know that a trustworthy God has my family and me in the permanent grasp of His hand can be motivating to simply rest in and trust Him and not try to take control and make “safety” happen. Father, help me not to fear. You have promised to take care of me, even if that care results in me seeing you face to face. How awesome! Thank you. Give me your faith! In Jesus’ Name.
Love your words!
I love this quote by Lisa Bevere…
“His pursuit is greater than your ability to wander”
Such a great reminder that we are not powerful enough to break His grip on us. What a powerful and loving God we serve.
Love this! Thanks for sharing, Christine!
xoxo-Kaitlin
Your welcome!
My comments are not directly related to the devo, but the 1 Peter passage. Verses 6 & 7 specifically.
Testing of our faith. I’ve mostly viewed this thru the lens of “entrusted with little, you’ll be given much” or to see if I “measure up”. Which is stupid because we already know we DON’T measure up. CAN’T ever measure up. Anyway, the bit in the verse about gold being tested by fire reminds me of it being refined by fire. “To result in praise & glory & honor.” Our various trials & testing of our faith is to refine us, make us better. NOT necessarily used as a measuring stick. I’ve probably heard this before, but it stuck out to me today.
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Even when my grip slips, He’s still holding me tight. Praise God!
I’m so excited and so scared of where I am in my life. I’ve spent the past 10 years of life as a staunch atheist…but I can no longer deny what is being shown to me day in and day out. I let go for so long but god has been there holding on and waiting, and I recognize that I was never without his love. I am going to try and go to church for the first time ever tonight…it’s not something I’ve ever done before, and at 30 years old this fills me with so much inexplicable emotion. I started a prayer journal last night that I hope to make a daily ritual. Please pray for me that I may learn to grow and achieve my true potential…not through the things I have or my accomplishments at work, but through the word of god and living for him and through him.
I must also note that I come from a mixed family…I have Christian uncles and aunts and cousins, but my parents and sisters are Muslim. Please give me the strength to stand up for Jesus when those I love the most who may not understand. Xo
Sarah, I will be praying for you!! ❤️
Thank you :)
Sarah, thank you so much for sharing. I pray that God will ease your mind and heart as you grow in him, that he would make his presence known to you. I pray for strength and clarity as you grow, and comfort when it becomes lonely and difficult. I’m so glad you’re part of the she reads truth community. Be well, sister.
Thank you xo
Praise God for His never ending pursuit of us! Sarah so wonderful to hear how God has grabbed a hold of you! I’m sure He has great things in store for you! Praying for you!
Thank you so much :)
Sarah- you are proof that God never gives up on us- even when we are not seeking Him!! Praying for you as you embark on this amazing journey of love!
Thank you :)
I will sure be keeping you in my prayers Sarah.
Thank you!
Sarah- my prayers are with you
Thank you, Barbie! :)
Hi Sarah, I’m writing this after you will have been to church and I’m praying it will have been a good experience for you (if not it may be God wants you at another church- it took me a while to find one when I first came to know Him more than 20 years ago!) I feel so excited for you at the start of your adventures with the Lord, He will have great plans for you (Jeremiah 29:11) and I pray your faith grows stronger day by day. Your story also gives me hope for members of my family who are atheists who I pray for, thank you so much for that! I look forward to hearing from you again through SRT! God bless! X
Thank you so much, Katy. The verse you referenced was exactly what I needed today. Church was a very intense experience. I feel at peace with letting go of 2016 and moving on to the next chapter of life now and I’m glad I went. Hope to attend more often this coming year. Thank you again for your words. Xo
May God hold you in the palm of His mighty hand and guide you as you grow in His love. I pray that He will fill you with His Holy Spirit and be a hedge of protection around you. I’m certain that you will be like a lamp in a dark room, giving light to all those around you – He has a plan for you – rest in the knowledge that you are held and loved more than you will ever know.
Thank you :)
What an amazing testimony!!! Thank you for sharing! So excited for your adventures with God. Your testimony brought me to tears because I as well gave my life to Christ when I was 30. It amazes me that he calls us home into his loving arms :) I will pray for you! Xx
Praying for you Sarah!! God make you bold and may you be encouraged by the family of God. You are so loved!!!
Wow this was for me. I knew it even before I saw the words ‘Walt disney world’ I literally bought a candle this morning with a Disney scent, put a disney wax melt on, and I’m wearing not only disney pj pants but in wearing MICKEY EARS while sitting on my couch at home. (My husband doesn’t even question the fact I’m wearing ears outside of the park anymore) Seeing WDW after reading and feeling this message was already for me is just icing on the cake I feel like God baked for me (in the shape of a Mickey ears because he loves me and knows me) . I needed this message and God thank you for knowing me and thinking of details to entertain and show me your love. You’re so creative and thank you for knowing me. I feel so special this morning! Hear comes the tears…
Right? so well written especially for us Disney fans because we can totally visualize the details. Yes, Thank you God!!! You are just too good to us :) God Bless you, Proneto!
I LOVE your spirit! I feel that I have found a kindred spirit, knowing what makes you happy and doing it- no matter what!! My husband would also not even wonder if I wore Mickey ears!! God bless you!
Thank you! Reading your words to me encouraged me!!!
Made me cry, cause a see at time when you kids are older20 and 23 you assume that want you to give them space let go a little, when you do turns out they still need you, a lot, always as we do God, he never lets go, why should we.
I’m reminded of this song after reading his devotional:
Oh no, you never let go!
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, you never let go!
In every high and every low
On no, you never let go!
Lord, you never let go of me.
-You Never Let Go, Matt Redman
https://g.co/kgs/ybkBDV
I’m praying we all remember that no matter what we do or how bad we mess up, HE NEVER LETS GO!!! Amen!
Amen!
I was reminded of that song to Elizabeth. I found myself singing it while reading today
Amen! It is not fading away… despite what people say. It’s amazing that the gospel has carried truth for 2000+ years and nothing, absolutely nothing can change that
http://www.in-due-time.com
What a beautiful blessing it is to be the daughter of the Risen King! As I celebrate a birthday today and reflect on all that this past year has meant for me I am in complete awe and in fact almost brought to tears. The past 365 days have been days filled with great triumph and bitter defeat. I have faced many many valleys, but also many mountains and through it all God has never let go. He has held my hand through it all, even when I didn’t want to hold on back. He has led me to new people and opportunities that have forever changed me and the way I view the world and for that I am so grateful. This could not have been a more simple, but well needed message to begin my morning. Thank you SRT for this wonderful platform and thank you to all women around the world – never forget the beauty of being the daughter of Christ. We will always have out heavenly father to grab ahold of. Happy New Year Ladies!
Happy birthday!
Happy Birthday!!
I’ve been having anxiety too, unable to pay my bills, getting a notice in the mail threatening to take my car and texts about turning off my cell phone. Luxuries to have and yet necessary things to have to go to work and hear back from hopeful teaching positions. And yet I feel strongly in this time to return to giving tithes. It’s not much but I’m trying to be obedient and worship our Lord through tithing. My trust in him is returning. Acting faithfully to Jesus even though we fear is courage and I desire to be courageous for him who holds onto me tightly. I want to embrace him in response.
Please pray for my heart though and for God to provide substitute teaching and/or teaching jobs. Thank you ladies and blessings on this new day!!
Praying right now for you Amber!
Blessing for your discipline to tithe first.
Your generosities will come back to you tenfold.
Amber, I too am struggling to know what God wants me to do next. When I apply for a job that I am well qualified for and get rejected I feel like a failure but also think – is that you God saying no because you have something so much better planned for me?! We are God’s masterpieces made new in Christ Jesus to do the good things He has planned for us! Ephesians 2:10 I am praying that God will direct your path each day as you walk in him!
Thank you, I woke up this morning wondering if I was following God or my own path but your scriptures was a good reminder God is holding me and directing my path. Praise God!! From the worlds point of view nothing looks right, I’m trusting God.
Praying for your mom, Shannon. Praying that she will seek the help she needs, that you and your family will have the wisdom, patience and guidance that she needs. Thank you Jesus for holding us tightly.
Even though I fail, God never lets me go. Wow. I need hat everyday. I’m tempted. I stumble. But thank you Lord that you still have a firm grip on me, helping me get back up from the fall. I hope this year I can be more forgiving of myself when I mess up. Not to say I’ll go looking for trouble, but to forgive myself when I make a mistake, just like Christ forgives me. I’m sinful, and nothing I can do can change that. I need God all the time. He is my oxygen. I hope I can breathe Him in more this year and learn more about Him and grow in my relationship with Him. Senior year of highschool…lots of “lasts” but also a lot of new “beginnings”! Help me trust in you Jesus and lean on you, remembering to look to you when I fall. You always have a hold of me.
What a wonderful reminder to hold on tight to your faith and family- even when you think you may let go just a little- Christ-like living is having forgiveness and unconditional love. My mom is 60 and going through a rough time. She needs help and medication but won’t get it. It’s taken a toll on my Dad and my brother and I. Please pray for her, Sherry Jones-Dodd. And pray for us to hold her tight no matter what. Thank you all! Blessings this New Year!
Raechel, The first half of your meditation had me laughing so hard… SO witty!! I was thinking “I really needed a good giggle this morning after last night’s big cry!”.
Why was I crying?! Because I have a child in my life who’s future REALLY worries me…a future I really have no power to change. I was begging God to convict me that He would never let go of this child.
Then….Good Morning SRT!!
Thank you Jesus!
(Happy New Year Ladies!)
This whole week has been so beautiful and the teachings so timely with my current situation. Thank you so much for your wisdom and beautiful words. They have been a balm to my anxious soul.
I am struggling with a lot of anxiety and self-doubt and insecurity right now. It seems like the world around me is changing, but I am going nowhere. Knowing that He is always holding me, even when I feel my loneliest, is such a powerful and uplifting truth. We are never alone, always held, and always loved. Thank you, Lord.
This devotional today was what I truly needed to hear! God holds onto me even if I lose my grip! He always keeps His promises!
Exactly what I needed to read in the exact moment (as has so often been the case with She Reads Truth studies!). In the midst of battling past hurts and fighting for healing I needed to be reminded that I don’t have to worry about God’s grasp on me! He and the Gospel are secure. My sword is His Word. My joy is His Gospel and the knowledge of His love for me! I’m armed and ready for the battle!
It’s so comforting to know that no matter how loose my grip is, His grip is tight, and He will NEVER let go of me. I feel like I’m always just remembering to turn back to Him, but He never leaves me. This is such a blessing, in and of itself. I’m reminded of the parable of the prodigal son. The son was so worried that his father wouldn’t even accept him back into his household as a servant, but the father was so thrilled about the son’s return that he threw a party. While it’s hard for me to understand how He can love each of us individually that much, it’s such a comfort. I pray that I DON’T forget his love for me, that I remain rooted in his love and grace, and that that’s where my actions are based as I go throughout my day.
This series has been a good reminder of your book….I read the book when it first came out. I would highly recommend buying the book and reading all of it. I found so much help and encouragement reading it. I have it on my nightstand by my bed along with my Bible and will often page through it and read highlighted areas and notes I jotted down. There’s so much it’s impossible to remember it all and so I thank you, SRT, for this reminder and for your book!
God love is truly unfailing. While I am trying to love more like God, I know that I will fall short. Which is ok, I am human. But knowing that no matter what God will always be here is comforting.
He won’t let me go! Lord, I thank you that you are my inheritance, that it is imperishable, undefined, and unfading; guarded by You. I pray the permanence of this would guard my heart and mind from earthly worry and fear. Help me proceed confidently into the new year knowing You won’t let me go.
Amen❤️
I can personally testify of a rock bottom time in my walk where I was ready to give up and stop trying to pursue the Christian life. I could feel that God had a hold of me and was not letting me go, even though my grip was no more. It was the strangest feeling, hard to describe, but so amazing. I am so thankful for His steadfast love.
Exactly Cristy….steadfast. What a great word. Nothing in this world is steadfast but God’s love is!
To fear God is to hold him in awe and respect as He is Almighty God. We are not to be afraid as He is sovereign and always in control. We can rest in Him!
how, exactly, am I to fear God and do not fear? that always puzzles me. the best I’ve ever come up with is I fear displeasing my dad, but I know that I can count on his being there if I NEED him. I know that example falls so far short though.
I don’t know if its correct but it helps me to replace “fear of God” with RESPECT. Yez, like your Dad but not like mine who I feared but did not trust or depend on..
I always had a head time with this too and didn’t understand what it meant to fear the Lord and honestly I stopped trying to figure it out. God showed me a lot through his word and the season of like I was in. The big explanation is here and I hope its helpful in explaining. https://keptnear.wordpress.com/2016/06/04/when-fear-is-assuring/
Janie is totally right though, its like fearing a healthy parent, having respect enough to follow and place yourself under discipline, not necessarily fear of consequences. Many of us cant understand fearing the Lord because of unhealthy parenting or authority and how fear is defined in our world. There is healthy fear though. Healthy fear helps us make wise decisions.
Someone explained it like this once and it really helped. I think it was Matt Chandler in one of his Exodus sermons. In Exodus, the Israeli midwives were commanded by Pharaoh to kill all the baby boys but because they feared God more, they didn’t do it and God rewarded them for that even though disobeying Pharaoh meant they could lose their own lives and their families. So even when there was something in their lives that they should rightly fear (Pharaoh), the midwives feared or had more respect for God and His commands that they obeyed Him at great personal risk. The story is in Exodus 1. So we should always have a right fear/respect/view of God even when it seems like something bigger is trying to claim that fear/respect. Hope that helped!
That always confused me a little too, but then in a sermon by Dr Charles Stanley, he explained that the word for fear in those passages means “reverence”. It’s respect but even deeper…it’s standing in awe of him. This helped me so much. God Bless!
thanks everyone!
I may be a little late to this but I do think that when it says fear God it really means just that. God has power to do all things so I don’t want to cross Him however he is a merciful God and I know that He only wants to help me improve.
Thank you for this series. It’s such an encouraging reminder that no matter what we may face as we go into a new year, God goes with us and doesn’t let go of us. The hope we have in him is secure.
The devotion brought this song to mind so I thought I’d share: https://youtu.be/b61wsBdqrKM
One of my favorites… Thanks for the reminder Lesley!
I love this song by Michael W. Smith.
https://youtu.be/MRb_NIQTzyA
Thanks for sharing this. I’ve never heard this song before and I really like it!
Loved this song. Thank you for sharing.
Inl
I’m so thankful that our Lord and Savior doesn’t let go. He’s here with me even when I feel like I can’t take another step.
Thank you for the reminder that even through my dark times He’s there and won’t let go.
2017 looks as though it will be a year of change for me and my family in many areas. The comfort zone will no doubt become uncomfortable. There will also be new comforts that will no doubt come. Through it all, I pray I will remember today’s Scriptures and Raechel ‘s devotion. Come what may, He don’t let me go. And that is Good News. Thank you SRT.
I have been grieved by various trails for the better part of the past 5 months. My anxiety has gotten out of control. It’s hard to take care of myself. I am blessed by having the ability to ask for help. I know when I need it. I need help now and prayers would be so appreciated. I’m genuinely looking forward to being a woman in the word everyday in 2017 and seeking God’s infinite love and grace each day.
Michalah – God is surely holding you in the palm of His hand! I’m praying for you!!
Praying for you michalah, perfect love drives out all fear and God IS love! Praying that you feel His love so much as you spend time in the word that there is no place left for fear or anxiety.
Praying for you
Prayed for you.
Michalah, what a beautiful name…
Lifting you up in prayer …and praying that heavy blanket be lifted in the MIGHTY NAME OF JESUS…
He sees you…He walks with you through these trials…He WILL see you through…that’s His TRUTH, His promise…
Sending hugs from across the pond, wrapped in love and prayers…xxx
Michaela, God truly will never let go. I am lifting you up in prayer right now. Read Psalm 94:16-19. This scripture always gives me peace when the things of this world are beating me down. May God give you strength as you face 2017.
The past couple of months have been only what I can describe as overwhelming. As I’ve just survived each day I find myself in a spiritual desert, parched and thirsting for God. SRT here you are waiting to help me readjust my focus once again. The scriptures speak and the excerpt from the book brings me to tears. God doesn’t let go. Even when I’m so focused on making it through each day that I forget to even glance heavenward, He still holds me in the shadow of His wing. So thankful for this passage today and for SRT. Lord, thank you for never letting go. Help me to hold tightly only to You–the one eternal constant.
Looking upward with you, Christina…
Immanuel…God with us…
He has your back…
Prayers lifted for you dearest…xxx
This example of God’s love, of God loving us as we love our children, is one I use often when explaining God and His promises and guidance and love to my daughter. Perfect! Thank you!