You want to get rid of the pain, but what are you holding on to that will replace the bitterness, fear, or other emotions? We all need something to hold on to, so make sure it is the right thing.
“We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end” (Hebrews 3:14).
Seeking encouragement, I scrolled through my iPod playlist for music that would uplift. I came upon an import of songs by Twila Paris from her “Where I Stand” CD. The one that became the inspiration for this devotional is titled, “Hold On.”
Take a listen to “Hold On” before reading this if possible, as the lyrics to “Hold On” perfectly explain many of our circumstances.
As we face our pain and illness, one question is in the forefront. What are you holding on to? What choices can we make in the moment?
We are drained and to be consistently intentional in choosing to hold on is also draining. Yet we always have the choice of what we will hold onto.
Will it be the sorrow or the pain, perhaps the anger? What if the better choice, once genuine feelings have been expressed, is to let it be the hope that we have in Christ’s presence and his promises to us? What are you holding on to today that you need to let go of?
Holding on to Jesus, who is our hope, means taking Him at His word no matter our feelings. We choose to clutch the rope of His words that prove that He means what He says.
When sorrow comes to dominate: “I, even I, am He who comforts you” (Isaiah 51:12a).
When pain is relentless: “But as for me, afflicted and in pain—may Your salvation, God, protect me. I will praise God’s name in song and glorify Him with thanksgiving” (Psalm 69: 29-30).
When anger at our lot in life seethes: “Arise, Lord, in Your anger; rise up against the rage of my enemies. [The enemy’s taunts] Awake, my God; decree justice” (Psalm 7:6).
When we need that “thread”: “He reached down from on high and took hold of me; He drew me out of deep waters” (2 Samuel 22:17).
Truly, He is never far from us for his Spirit dwells with us and woos us to a place of rest; letting His Light bring His peace if we can get quiet and cease from striving. Reaching for Him is not a long stretch. Staying quiet while we let Him hold us and while we choose to stay within His hold is a gift He asks us to receive.
Prayer: Yes, Lord. I hold on to You as I recognize You are holding on to me and will never let me slip from Your loving grip of care. Amen.
About the Author:
Lynn Severance is a retired elementary classroom teacher. She lives in Lynnwood, Washington. She writes to encourage others as God has encouraged her during 30 years of living with daily physical challenges. Visit Lynn’s blog and sign up to receive new postings in your email box! http://lynn-severance.blogspot.com.
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What are you holding on to that you should let go of and grasp Jesus instead? During your times of deepest despair in your illness, what temptation can try to hold you captive? How does Christ lift you up and away from that depth where He does not dwell? How are you reminded that He is dwelling with you and holding you close?
Did you have a chance to listen to the beautiful song “Hold On” by Twila Paris? If not, listen now, as this devotional will spring to life as you consider, “What am I holding on to?”
Thanks Lynn!!
Firstly, I LOVE Twila Paris songs & used to sing them a LOT! I rarely can manage to listen right through a song without my body “crashing” now, so it was VERY exciting to get right through it at a low volume! Praise God!!
Secondly, that spoke volumes to me! Lots of things rattling around now. Main one seems to be that I hold onto fighting this illness, rather than holding onto His peace! I seem to keep going through this lesson!! You’d think I’d cotton onto it by now!! Slow learner!
Thanks Lynn for the music, the devotion, the thoughts & the redirection through the Holy Spirit. Lotsoluv Kerryn
Kerryn – Twila Paris is a favorite of mine, too. I can always count on one of her songs to uplift me and encourage me, bring my focus back where it belongs. It is hard for me to hear that you have to be so cautious about sounds, esp. music as it is such a lifeline for me. But even at “low volume”, God’s still small voice can get through.
I understnand what you mean about “fighting’ the illness. It is a fine balance to be discerning as we do have to “fight” to keep going – to do what we have to do for daily living but there is a deeper level where we fight and the fighting is moot as it drains us and takes our focus off the messages that God wants to work out through the various challenges we face. He has promised that He will fight the battle/s for us ( 2 Chronicles 20 is one source of this promise ) and that we are to be still and let Him.
The challenge then is learing how to be still in spirit and soul and mind, esp. when our bodies and their pain are far from still. Yes, the lessons keep coming and do not fret about it taking time. There will always be lessons and layers that unfold and always His promises that He will do the fighting for us if we stand still and “hold on to Him”.
Ah, I needed to write this out for myself! Amen.
Love,
Lynn
Thanks Lynn!
Yes, the lessons continue. 2 Chronicles 20 is such an important reading for me too! The battle is the Lord’s! Amen!
Lotsoluv Kerryn
OHh Lynn! This really spoke to me today! Having been through various surgeries, and treatments to lessen pain and having the pain still come back with a vengence; I am realizing that I need to adjust my attitude and accept this as my current life, not waiting for that time when the pain is gone and then living. So truly do I hold on to the Lord for His help during this time, and He brings such peace despite what I feel in my body!
Thank you for the scriptures and for help in recalibrating my thoughts to HOPE and peace and anchoring myself in HIM , ALWAYS.
God bless you and may He always keep using you to help others such as me through these times.
Sue Ellen – I want to give you a big (( Hug )).
That is for persevering through the pain and God holds onto you with His gentle hugs and understands how hard it is. He understand how the challenges that each of us has been given are hard. We trust Him but He also is trusting us to trust Him. There is a mutual holding on happening here when we let it be – let it be what we can never comprehend – let it be what He is working out in us, through us, and for us and for purposes He has yet to reveal.
It still is hard! I am clinging to the Anchor with you and receive with joy the blessing of your words.
Love,
Lynn