He won't let go

Recently I watch my great niece as her daddy placed her on his shoulders.  She was so comfortable.  She loved being that high and giggled as he twirled her around.  They went up and down, turned around, swayed and danced all while she sat on his shoulders. 


During one of those times, she became too comfortable and leaned back unable to bring herself back up.  Her father had her by the legs and we all knew that she would not fall.  The incident left her uncomfortable and she began to whine.  Her dad responded "Why are you whining?  You're the one that went too far back, I was holding you.  I wasn't going to let go."


It reminded of how I am so happy, joyful, smiling when all is good.  I'm thanking God for being so good to me and yes, I might even twirl around in gratefulness.  Today however, I found myself whining.  "Why all these attacks? Why was my dad injured in this accident?  Why is a job situation so challenging?  Why are we being tested?  Why all this spiritual warfare?"  All the while remembering the verse Do not be anxious about anything [Philippians 4:6]


This morning when I read that, I read the message God intended me to read.  First was rejoice [v4].
In your dancing, rejoice.  Although things may be tough through your eyes....rejoice!  Then it tells us something very important The Lord is near [V5].  Just like her daddy was holding little Victoria, our God is holding us.  Even when we feel like we are falling, He has a hold on us and will not let go.  Dads don't let go because they love us and our Father will not let because He loves us too. Then comes verse 6-the one everyone quotes "Do not be anxious about anything-but..." It is what follows that "but" that is important also.  But...in everything, be prayerful and with thanksgiving present your requests to God.


Don't be anxious, be prayerful, present your requests to God.  He will not let go.  Not only that, when you truly trust him, you'll receive a peace that transcends all understanding.  Our struggles may sometimes feel so heavy but God offers a peace beyond all other simply because he won't let go.


Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again, Rejoice.  Let your gentleness be evident to all.  The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4: 4-7