Thoughts for Life: I Need to Hold You

When my grandchildren began to string words
into sentences, they sometimes twisted their intended messages.

This resulted in scrambled meanings between
what they thought and what they actually said.

The most captivating of their confused statements came when they were in need of comfort or simply wanted companionship.

They would entreat me with outstretched arms and pleading eyes, saying, “I need to hold you.” I welcomed this opportunity to draw them close, to kiss scraped knees or elbows, to give words of encouragement and love.

My grandchildren meant something other than what they actually said. But they had learned that when they voiced the words, “I need to hold you,” someone would hold them.

That was their goal. What they really thought, but could not verbalize, was, “Hold me, please. I need for you to make it better.”

I recognize myself in their behavior. What my daddy died, I was left spiritually puzzled. Instead of dealing with my loss, I locked my sorrow and anger inside, choosing to battle the pain alone.

Friends and relatives offered support, but I wouldn’t embrace their attempts to cheer me. Months later I still could not get through a workday or sit through a Sunday morning church service without unwilling tears streaming down my face.

Then I reached out to God. I spilled out my sorrow, together with my pent-up anger, unloading the entire bundle onto God. He opened his loving arms to me and I moved toward him, feeling the balm of his perfect love blanket my grief.

Like my grandchildren, I needed to share my hurts with someone who would give me unconditional love. My grandchildren trusted that I would help erase their troubles.

I can take my burdens to God and tell him, “I need to hold you.” Then, in the same way that I gathered my grandchildren into my arms, God sustains me, giving hope and consolation.

Have you experienced the unconditional love God offers? Read his words in the Bible and talk with him in prayer. Let God help you carry your burdens. “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.” –Psalm 55:22, NIV

I Need to Hold You

Jo Huddleston Her bio and photo

Jo Huddleston is a multi-published author of books, devotions, and short stories. Her debut novels in the Caney Creek Series are sweet Southern historical romances.

Her latest release is Wait for Me, book one in the West Virginia Mountains series and is also a sweet Southern historical romance. Jo is a member of ACFW, the Literary Hall of Fame at Lincoln Memorial University (TN), and holds a M.Ed. degree from Mississippi State University. Visit Jo at www.johuddleston.com.

She also has a permafree eBook, Amen and Good Morning, God: A Book of Morning Prayers. It's always free and available at http://tiny.cc/oimazx

Today's post is a replacement of Jo's original post back on 8/23/14. I accidentally deleted it, while updating it for a link to it as a "popular post." I hope my readers will enjoy Jo's message today, and each time it is chosen for reading. Hopefully, I've learned to not hit that X button, while working on a draft!

Father, when difficult times come, may I be
quick to call on Jesus' Name for guidance and
help.
Remembering how a child desires the comfort from a parent, may I sense Your willingness to fold me in Your arms and to find Your grace sufficient for my every need today.
In the precious Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Today’s Bible verse: Jer. 17: 14 "Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for thou art my praise."

Today’s quote: Lawrence Darmani - " 'Be still, and know that I am God,' " the psalmist says (Ps. 46:10). When we remain still, we get to know God, ' our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble' (v.1.).We see our weakness apart from God and recognize our need to surrender to Him. 'When I am weak, then I am strong,' says the apostle Paul (2 Cor. 12:10).

The Lord may calm your storm, but more often He'll calm you."
(Our Daily Bread 6/11/15)

Some thoughts today: Declare what is truth and sow it into your feelings. Confess the truth over the situation. Declare it, and expect God's help in it.

- Give God opportunities to show His power!

- Our faith gets enlarged through times of trials, when we witness God's ability to supply our needs in various situations.

13th- Saturday’s post: Wisdom Seekers
Joe Stowell
14th- Sunday evening's post: Joy
Ann Wallace
16th- Tuesday's post: #71 Principles for Warfare
C. Peter Wagner
18th- Thursday's post: #72 The Whole Armor of God
C. Peter Wagner

A popular post: Behind the Hymn: The Old Rugged Cross Diana Leagh Matthews
shares with us, "The Old Rugged Cross is often requested during hymn sings. The message seems to be one that everyone can cling onto.

Lord, Hold Me a Minute