I SURRENDER MY GRASPING HANDS

 FOR HOLDING HIS HAND 

 If truth be told I have had a difficult time getting out of bed the past few days.

 I don’t even want to write.

 I force myself to get up, shower, devotions and prayer,

 and then on to what ever I can fill my day with

 so I don’t have to think about the gloom I am feeling.

  It is one of those situations that I can do absolutely nothing about. 

I have no control.

  It is a situation that is painful, frightening, infuriating and sorrowful.

Did I mention I have no control over the situation?  

You know how I hate that!

 I can’t; help, challenge, 

             encourage, motivate and change…

CONTROL.

 I feel empty. 

Grasping for something I can do to change the situation.

   This morning it did not help when I open my devotion book and read; Slow down and cling tightly to MY hand.  I am teaching you a difficult lesson, learned only by hardship.  I believe I audibly said, “Da”…”Do you think?”…”well hello”!!

   I have spent the last months in devotion and prayer to strengthen my belief regarding; SEEKING HIS FACE, SEEKING HIS PEACE, SEEKING HIS PRESENCE, and BRINGING HIM MY WEAKNESS MY PAIN AND HURT.  I have vocally confessed; HE IS MY STRENGTH, SHIELD, PROTECTOR, DEFENDER, and RESCUER. Yet today, I feel weak, lost and saddened.

   I know…I know!  You are going to say AGAIN!  REALLY AGAIN!

   Let’s be honest.  You have those days or seasons too!  Why is it as Christians we are afraid we will be judged as not very good Christians if we are simply honest with where we are spiritually at? Did we really think as we started the journey walking with Christ it would be a rose garden.  WELL YES!  I was young and naive!      

 Frankly I have to be honest!  I realize without being real, how would those who really care about me know how to pray and lift me up.  I recognize the value and need of my brothers and sisters in Christ sharing my burdens!  I know my family in Christ has given me strength in days when I had none. If I had not been honest with my need, how would they know how to help?

Don’t just pretend to love others.  Really love them.  Hate what is wrong.  Hold tightly to what is good.  Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.  Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.  Rejoice in our confident hope.  Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.

 When God’s people are in need, be ready to help.

  Always be eager to practice hospitality.

Romans 12: 9-12

   

So encourage each other with these words.

1 Thessalonians 4:18

   The community of Christ is not perfect.  We are human and make mistakes. We are on a learning journey to become dependent and become like our Savior.  We should come to the realization of our great need for one another.  God created us to be in relationship, fellowship and covenant with one another.

  When you hold my heart 

you are the hand of God.

 HIS INSTRUMENT.  

Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ?

  Any comfort from his love? 

Any fellowship together in the Spirit?

 Are your hearts tender and compassionate?

 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other,

 loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.

Philippians 2:1-2

   I find great comfort in knowing I have a family of believers I can be real with.  That I can say, “I am having one of those days”.  I can ask for prayer and encouragement.  That they can CONFESS HIS PROMISES, PRAY AND LISTEN.

   God gives us all the tools to help us in our time of need; THE WORD, THE HOLY SPIRIT, DEVOTIONS AND A FAMILY OF FAITH. I am so thankful for each.  So when I feel like I am still flopping around in the wavy waters I can cry out and find help.

   Back to my morning devotion (Jesus Calling by Sarah Young) When my focus turns away from HIM I grasp..grasp to control and grasp for other things.  LIFTING UP EMPTY HANDS TO HIM. I CLING TIGHTLY TO HIS HAND.  When I hold His hand HE is Present. I return to HIM, calling out, “JESUS JESUS JESUS”, and I regain my sense of HIS PRESENCE.

Then Jesus said,

“Come to me,

 all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens,

 and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11:28