(This first published on May 19, 2022.)
Jesus should’ve given up on me long ago. But each day, despite my sins and failures, God draws and holds me close.
In Christ, I am held secure.
I never fully understood God’s heart for me until I became a parent. But having walked beside my daughter through her obedient and rebellious times, I’ve come to understand the love that never lets go and never gives up.
When our daughter was young, we moved across the country, a transition she struggled with. Though initially we were oblivious to her pain—seven-year-olds aren’t often able to express their emotions—we soon became alert to a drastic change of behavior. Our normally cheerful, affectionate little girl had become sullen and angry.
I was confused and concerned.
One afternoon, she grew quite upset with me (for reasons I can’t remember), and shouted, “I hate you!” then slammed her bedroom door.
That was the first, and perhaps last time she’d ever said something like that to me, and it broke my heart, but not for the reasons you may assume.
My heart broke because I knew hers was breaking. Beneath her anger and harsh words, I saw her pain, and in that moment, what I longed for most was to draw her near and hold her close.
I’ve displayed a similar response toward God as she had to me, numerous times, throughout my faith journey. Like when my friend was dying, and I struggled to reconcile my circumstances with what I knew regarding God’s love, power, and sovereignty. Once my emotions settled down, guilt and fear followed. Had my anger angered God?
Had I—or would I—do something that would drive Him away for good?
But each time, I discovered not only had He remained, but He was actually taking giant, loving steps toward me.
In John 10:29, our Savior said, “My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand” (NIV).
That’s a promise we can hold tight to. Christ holds me, and you, secure and His love will always, always remain.
Unshakable. Immovable. Solid and Sure.
Let’s talk about this! How can you rest in the security of Christ today? Sometimes this starts with a reminder. The reminder that we don’t have to have it all together or know all the answers. We simply need to turn and surrender to and rely upon the One who does.
Speaking of reliance on Christ, make sure to check out the latest Your Daily Bible Verse podcast episode on living in Christ’s perfect guidance.
Before you go, make sure to check out my latest Bible reading plan on the YouVersion Bible app!
Plan description: You’re not insufficient, overlooked, unimportant or unseen. In Christ, you are loved, chosen, called, redeemed, empowered and held close by the One who crafted your every cell, knows your every flaw, sees your potential. Unfortunately, wounds from our past can challenge our ability to view ourselves as the Lord’s beloved. May this 30-day plan remind you of who you are to Christ and in Christ, helping you live with increased confidence and joy.
