I held my little 2 year old's hand as we crossed the grocery store parking lot. My grip was tight, his was a little reluctant. He wanted to be independent. As we walked, I thought there was no way I would let go of this little hand even if he let go of mine. We think we're holding onto our Father, but He actually has us in His strong grip. Even if we rebel, we want to run ahead, we want to be independent, we want our own way so we let go......would He let us go? Would we, though sinful humans, let go of our toddler's hand? Certainly not. This thought gave me great comfort. Yes, we do have a "free will" but I really think it's not as "free" as we make it out to be. I'm not going to get into a theological debate over predestination or reformed theology. (I pretty much have decided that my little brain can't fathom all those things.) Our children may let go of our hands, but we would never let go of theirs. Our children may try to let go of their heavenly Father's hand, but I know and trust that He will never let go of theirs.
So I just want to encourage you parents that may not only be concerned that they have let go of God's hand but maybe their older children have. Trust in His unfailing love, His mercies that are new every morning and that He has our little, and big ones in the palm of His hand. And as Matt Redman sings, "oh no, You never let go. Through the calm and through the storm. You keep on loving and You never let go."
So true. Your post reminds me of psalm 139: 6 Your [infinite] knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high above me, I cannot reach it.
ReplyDelete7 Where could I go from Your Spirit? Or where could I flee from Your presence?8 If I ascend up into heaven, You are there; if I make my bed in Sheol (the place of the dead), behold, You are there.
9 If I take the wings of the morning or dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
10 Even there shall Your hand lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me. Bless you and yours.