Holding On When You're So Tired

    The man was carrying a very tired youngster in his arms.  The little boy, probably two  years old, laid his head on the man’s broad shoulder.  The child needed rest and security; the child needed someone to take him where he needed to go.   Cuddled up to his father his small hands held on to the man’s jacket. 

     But it was the father’s strong arms, not the child’s small hands that did the holding on. 

     This is the way with you and me.  We are to “hold on” to our Heavenly Father.  
     But our little weak hands cannot give us support and security.  “The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms,” Deuteronomy 33:27. 

       Of course, we are tired.  
      The world out there is very big and very unfriendly.  God did not mean for us to face life alone in our own strength.  No matter how old or independent or capable we may have become we always will need our strong Heavenly Father.  
      Clinging to Him doesn’t make us weak; it develops our trust and our obedience. Why would God have given His Holy Spirit to us if we didn’t need Him?  He will teach, remind, and empower us to do what pleases our Father. 

     After a person prays to receive Jesus as his Savior he or she begins a new way of life, a new relationship with God.  It’s not like the old way, the familiar way of living.  This new way is like walking with our hand in the hand of our Heavenly Father.  Always we are to be holding on— and yet in a much grander sense, it is God who is holding on to us. 

     Is this too simple to believe? Or, is it something you really want to do? This is very personal. Now, you are being put on the spot to decide for yourself.  

        Here's a list for you to check out:  

What does the Bible say?

• Hold firmly to the word. …  1 Corinthians 15:2
• Hold on to the good.  . . 1 Thessalonians 5:21
• Holding on to faith and a good conscience. . . 1 Timothy 1:19
• Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called … . 1 Timothy 6:1
• Hold firmly to the trustworthy message…. Titus1:9
• Hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first. . . . Hebrews 3:14
• Hold firmly to the faith we profess. . . .  Hebrews 4:14
• Hold unswervingly to the hope we profess . . .  Hebrews 10:23
• Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. . .  Revelation 3:11

Yes, those who want to be God’s children must hold on.  Jesus said, “And ye shall be hated of all men for My name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.” Matthew 10:22.  

 But we can have the wonderful, comforting confidence that He is holding on to us. 

“The Sovereign Lord . . . tends His flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart; He gently leads those that have young.” Isaiah 40:10-11, NIV.

“The LORD your God, who is going before you, will fight for you, as he did for you in Egypt, before your very eyes, and in the desert. There you saw how the LORD your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place.” Deuteronomy 1:30-31, NIV.

“For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.”  Isaiah 41:13. 

So, go ahead…

 Yes, your Heavenly Father is holding you, taking you all the way to Heaven.  Don’t let go or turn away from Him; keep holding on to His Word, holding on to your faith and hope and confidence. He’s got a calling for you that will challenge you and bless others.  There are spiritual battles to be won.  We are to be totally engaged in living for Him.  

 Remember, every evening when you stretch out on your bed and rethink your day, it’s a good time to picture that tired little boy and that strong, caring father.  It’s wonderful to snuggle up to Jesus and remember how good and loving and faithful He is. Thank God, for He is holding you.

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by Elaine Hardt ©2001