What parts of your day do you look forward to? Which ones do you dread?
One of my favorite times of day is my kids’ bedtime. Now, before you think I’m a horribly cold mother, as a mom of four, I have lots of reason to look forward to those sweet little faces heading to bed.
Oh, let’s be honest. There are days when I am READY for some down time and a little “silent night.” Mama is done… they are done. We just need to call it a day. But recently my littlest one, my 2 1/2-year-old, gave me a new reason to look forward to putting him to bed.
He is so full of new words – words that sound so cute, and slightly mispronounced. A few nights ago, after snuggling him under his blanket and giving him his bear, he asked me for one final hug. As I leaned over to give him a hug, he quickly grabbed my arm, rolled over and announced, “No let you go!“. I couldn’t resist but to kiss his little face and attempt (very unconvincingly) to break out of his hold.
Every time I tried to pull my arm out, he would squeal with delight, grab on tighter repeating over and over, “No let you go!” I could hardly stand it, my mother’s heart almost burst with joy as I soaked in my son’s desire to capture me and keep me near.
As we count down to Christmas, all of us have events and traditions we look forward to. But if you’re like me, there are things about this season that are difficult. I wonder how many of you are:
- dreading the idea of spending the holidays with “that” relative
- feeling so worn out from all you have piled on your plate
- stressed about the money you’ve spent on (or don’t have for) gifts
- hurting over your wounded marriage
- desperately wishing you had someone to love
- feeling so alone that it hurts
I encourage you take a moment today to quiet your heart and hear the still small voice of our incredible God as He whispers to your heart… “no let you go.”
Sometimes the holidays can feel like a giant snow-globe. During the year we are fine. We can avoid “that” relative or bury our problems. But for some reason when Christmas rolls around, all that was once calm gets abruptly shaken with schedules, emotions, relatives, memories, and expectations.
Yet our God gently calls to our hearts, “no let you go.”
I love how scripture backs this up, time and time again. Take a minute to soak in these promises:
- Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6
- Just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you. Joshua 1:5
- Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9
- I am holding you by your right hand – I, the LORD your God. And I say to you, ‘Do not be afraid. I am here to help you. Isaiah 41:13
- I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. John 14:18
- Be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Matthew 28:20
This verse in Matthew hold the very last words Jesus spoke to His disciples before He ascended to heaven. Can you picture Jesus standing there on the mountain with His best friends? This was His last chance to instruct and assure them of His love. The moment was not lost on Him. His words were intentional and direct.
I can picture Jesus looking at them all, His heart full of emotions, knowing His time was complete. And of all the words He could have chosen, of all the things He could have said in that moment, He chose to assure them of one thing:
His never ending presence.
Remember that today. He looks at you with delight and He desires to hold you near. Will you let Him? Will you lay down your burdens and listen to His words of assurance to you? Listen as He repeats over and over again, I am with you.
“No let you go.”
©2010 Guest Post by Julie Thomas, Women’s Ministry Director, Foothills Community Church
