I love to start a new year by choosing a word to focus on. It’s more satisfying than resolutions, and much easier for me to be successful to the end of the year.
I look for the word, expect God to teach me something about my word, and let my word shape my perspective throughout the year.
My word for 2023 was “Held.” It tendered my heart to have such a sweet word from God. The previous year had been rough … I lost both my parent’s within sixty days of each other. I was their caretaker and spent much of my days with them. They left a big hole in my heart.
To say I was in need of a hug was an understatement!
God, in His goodness, allowed me to marry my soul-mate only four months before I lost dad. I am awed by the kindness of God who gave me a family before He called mine home.
My husband’s arms are absolutely my favorite place in the whole world to be. He truly is the best hugger, but it’s much more than that.
When I am in his arms, I feel loved and protected. Any veneer of courage melts away and I feel small and vulnerable, but so so safe. No need to muster strength of my own, I collapse into his strength. I breathe him in. I know nothing can come to me without first going through him. I am held.
My husband beautifully mirrors God’s goodness to me. He holds me here physically; God holds me spiritually.
For I hold you by your right hand—
I, the Lord your God.
And I say to you,
‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you. ~ Isaiah 41:13The eternal God is your refuge,
And underneath are the everlasting arms.
~ Deuteronomy 33:27
In God’s arms I am also loved, and protected. He has won the victory of Salvation, and nothing can snatch me out of His hands.
I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. ~ John 10:28
Just like me in my husband’s strong, capable arms .. I don’t bring any of my own strength to God’s embrace, I simply collapse into Him. Nothing can touch me without first going through Him.
My belief in Jesus’ sacrifice on the Cross opened my way to the Father … all that’s required of me now to be held is to be still, embraceable. He never tells me to toughen up. Instead, He loans me His strength.
Between my husband and my Father, I’m in really good hands.
I hope you have an earthly love as sweet as mine … but I know you have a Heavenly Father who longs to embrace you and make you feel held.
Ask Him to show you His love, and to let you feel His embrace .. then simply be still … and be held.
