Just Be Held
By Karen D'Amore
"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 (NIV)
It hit from out of nowhere! On New Year's Eve I was healthy, fit and running a 10k (6.2 mile) race. But within days, my body was in a tailspin, with everything from head to toe...misfiring. I felt like a stranger in my own body; after a stressful and discouraging three months of being examined by seven different doctors, the source of my physical issue(s) still remained an undiagnosed mystery.
Hearing this familiar song, in light of my current life-storm, reduced me to a puddle of tears:
"But life hits you out of nowhere...And barely leaves you holding on
There's freedom in surrender...Lay it down and let it go
So when you're on your knees and answers seem so far away...
You're not alone...stop holding on...and just be held"
While desperately seeking and waiting for definitive answers, it felt like my world was falling apart. I looked for "anything" to hold onto to steady me. In that moment of sheer exhaustion...as my grip on "everything" broke loose and the ability to continue holding on diminished...God met me in this song:
"Your world's not falling apart...it's falling into place
I'm on the throne, stop holding on...and just be held"
"Holding on" requires action or effort on our part, whereas "being held" requires a posture of submission. My "holding on" efforts had me fixated on, and drowning under, the weight of my circumstances. With my faith rattled, I began to question God and His love for me. But as this song began to infiltrate my daily life, God drew me into remembrance of His desire to carry us through the "deep waters" of life. (Isaiah 43:2)
"If your eyes are on the storm...you'll wonder if I love you still
But if your eyes are on the cross...you'll know I always have
And I always will..."
Inspired by the exhortations in this song...I finally let go...and fell into the arms of God. And as God continues to carry me through this storm, I still don't know what the future holds for me physically. But I do know Who holds my future.
"And not a tear is wasted...in time, you'll understand
I'm painting beauty with the ashes...your life is in My hands"
While I no longer have the strength to "hold on," I've chosen to exercise faith in His plan and...
...Just Be Held. [1]
GOING DEEPER:
- Is there something you need to "let go" of and trust God to carry you through?
FURTHER READING:
Married to Dan, Karen, a retired police officer, currently works as a Manicurist at Craig Berns Salon and Foot Care Specialist at Shorehaven Senior Facility. She's on the Oakwood Women's Ministry Special Events planning team.
