Written by Jolene DeHeer
Do you ever have those moments when you are struck with a new, deeper understanding of some aspect of God’s character?
I’m talking about those times that take your breath away and fill you awe and wonder. Moments that are so spiritually powerful that you can only fall on your knees in worship. I had one of those moments yesterday and I am still reveling in it today. This is the simple truth that drove me to my knees – God never lets go of me.
Of course, we all know that. He is omnipresent. He has promised never to leave or forsake us. He promised that nothing could separate us from His love. He promised He would be with us to the close of the age. These powerful truths are a source of comfort and strength for all of us.
Yesterday I was listening to David Crowder’s song “I Am.” I love this song and have listened to it many times, but this time when the chorus began, I began to weep and fell to my knees.
I felt like God was speaking right to me through the words of the chorus, “I am holding on to you. I am holding on to you. In the middle of the storm, I am holding on to you. I am”. I was totally overwhelmed by the thought that the great I AM would stoop to hold on to me. Even as I type this, the reality of this “simple” truth leaves me breathless and fills my heart with so much love and gratitude, I feel like it is going to explode.
One doesn’t have to live very long to experience times of struggle, pain, confusion, or despair.
At these times God can feel absent or far away, but as the song says, “There’s no space that his love can’t reach.” And God is also there holding on when we are full of joy and praise. No matter what we go through, He is holding on to us.
When we hear a dreaded diagnosis, He is holding on. When we receive healing, He is holding on.
When friends abandon or reject us, He is holding on. When new friends come into our life, He is holding on.
When we lose our job, He is holding on. When we get a new job or a promotion, He is holding on.
When our children turn away from God, He is holding on. When our children profess their faith, He is holding on.
When a spouse asks for divorce, He is holding on. When we renew our vows, He is holding on.
When loneliness overwhelms us, He is holding on. When we are surrounded by loved ones, He is holding on.
When we feel like we have failed, He is holding on. When we get awards or recognition, He is holding on.
When we long to be married, He is holding on. When someone proposes to us, He is holding on.
When our minds and bodies fail, He is holding on. When we are young and vital, He is holding on.
When we go through financial struggles, He is holding on. When we are financially comfortable, He is holding on.
When a loved one dies, He is holding. When I child is born, He is holding on.
When we are unable to have children, He is holding on. When we adopt, He is holding on.
When life feels hopeless, He is holding on because He is our hope and He will restore us!
No matter what we face, He is holding on and He will keep holding on.
As another part of the song says, “There’s no end to amazing grace.”
So, let’s reach out our hands and hold tightly to the one that is already holding us. Let’s also raise our hands in thanksgiving and worship of the great I AM who never lets us go. Let’s believe, claim, and live into the power of this promise, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)
