Held

When Martin holds my hand old mother bear instincts kick right back in. His putty palm and delicate fingers, like gamma rays trigger Hulk reflexes and uncontrollably I transform into a huge, green superhero. Suddenly, threats lurking everywhere are no match for me. Heavy objects, electrical outlets, glassware — beware. Forks, knives, pencils, scissors — not on my watch. I move slow and think fast because nothing gets past Grandma’s muscles.

When God holds our hand — our troubles are well in hand.

“I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.'” (Isaiah 41:13) Reading this before bed last night closed my eyes like warm milk to a tired infant. My heart needs holding, and at any age that takes Holy Spirit hands. My husband, children, friends — all help, but they need rest too and my God never slumbers nor sleeps. (Ps 121:4)

We had some worrisome news involving our company. A large sum went out for a commercial customer, who, as it turns out, cannot pay us back. We’ve been here before, many times in 28 years, but it’s never an easy pill to swallow.

In my car, praying, I simply call God’s name, the way you call your best friend when the road looks scary ahead. I have you. He answers back like He’s been waiting by the phone. I’ve never heard God’s audible voice — but that never stops God from being understood.

When God holds our hand — our troubles are well in hand.

Press forward and walk with God.

 All the things I’ve held that only let me down and let me go I’m balling up and burning under: Do Not Touch.

“Forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 3:13,14)

Forgetting is no walk in the park. This verse is not one we read and run through sunflowers and rainbows.

It’s spiritual exercise.

It’s getting in the zone and getting out of bed. Eating a warrior’s breakfast and getting fully dressed. Lacing up our shoes. Getting in the pace of faith and never looking back. (Eph 6:13-17), (Luke 9:62)

I needed to understand Paul’s meaning of the word forgetting used in his letter to the Philippians. This is what I found: Forgetting, in this verse, is translated: to neglect. When Paul says forget those things it’s not like we wake one day claiming ignorance or amnesia. He’s saying — quit caring about it. We’re told to neglect the former and move forward.

The Greek meaning for reaching is epekteino; which is translated stretching forward. Some versions use the word striving, which implies contending in opposition.

Our memories have incredibly powerful pull. Some of us have held long and firm to heavy objects, broken items, and unsteady heights. Our hearts bearing scars from falls some choices came with. Deeper still — trauma from choices out of our control.

Press forward and walk with God.

God gives permission to focus all attention on Him.

Rehashing the past is not how the future gets fixed. I’m not saying counseling isn’t good and necessary. I’ve been blessed with two dear counselors and a crucial psychiatrist. But talking about yesterday isn’t actually what helps — listening to the Truth again and again shuts the door behind us and opens the future before us.

Excitingly, eventually, our minds get washed in the words of God’s mouth and our attention starts flying by Satan’s big mouth.

What’s putting spring in my step is this: I can quit reliving the past. Stop over analyzing the way it was or the way it should have been — because God gives permission to focus all attention on Him. Spinning over our stuff is death, but setting our mind on the Spirit is life and peace. (Rom 8:6) We get to shift our thoughts on truth, honor, justice, love, what’s respectable, what is excellent, and praiseworthy! (Phil 4:8) We are free to mediate on the high wisdom of God, and ignore the low rumblings of man. (Col 3:2) We have no authority over the strongholds and arguments warring in our thoughts — God is the destroyer of these. (2 Co 10:4,5)

This word from God is renewing my mind in recent days of worry and want and what if’s: “You keep in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You.” (Is 26:3)

Trust the Hand that’s stronger and wiser than yours.

You know the kid who fights to unlock hands in busy parking lots? That’s been me with God. Acting on the past, rolling in regret, wanting for assurances that may never be met — I’m that kid. Even when I know God is holding on to me for good, I keep wrestling over what’s behind.

And I quit.

Are you tired and needing to be held?

Willing to stop running off and living backwards?

Are you game to neglect what’s behind and stretch toward God?

Ready to trust the Hand that’s stronger and wiser than yours — and claim your prize — the upward call of God in Christ?

I am too, friend.

Martin holds Grandpa’s hand because he trusts him. And Grandpa gets to be Grandpa holding Martin’s hand. Taking him places he’s never seen Grandpa keeps him on a forward path where home is always the final goal. That’s what I want for you and for me. To let God be God. To be held and led through the highs and lows always pointed toward home. Held in the promises of the greatest Power who defeats any foe stronger than we.

Beware, threats, you are no match for He.