Proverbs 29:25
That happened a few weeks ago, but there's hardly been a day since that I haven't thought about it, for it seems to be permanently etched in my mind. Oh, I know God expects us to make choices. He gives us the freedom to do so, but once we make the decision to hold onto Him, He comes and propels us onward. So I've been thinking about how to hold on more tightly, specific actions I can take in my daily life that prove I'm doing so. Here are a few. Perhaps they will help you too.
I'm learning to RUN to God's Word, the Bible. Oh, I've read it every morning for years, but now I'm learning to pick it up in the middle of my day when out of nowhere something threatens to derail me, to knock me off the scooter if you will. We all know there is much that can do that today, but I'm reminded of what the Psalmist said many years ago, and that is that great peace have those who love God's word. Holding on tightly to Jesus includes running to His word, and as we do so he propels us along with a peace that is supernatural. Believe me, once you've experienced that, you'll never settle for life without it. Psalm 119:165
I'm learning to PRAY with thanksgiving. I don't know about you, but so often my prayers consist mostly of asking. But one of the most amazing principles in the Bible is that when we ask with thanksgiving--thanking Him for who He is and for what He does--He will then fill us with a peace that is beyond our understanding. It simply cannot be explained. Praying this way is just one more way of holding on tightly to Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
I'm learning to RELY on God's promises. Oh my, God's word is chock full of them, but I fear we've only touched the surface of what they will do for us. Do you know He has promised to work everything together for good in the life of the one who trusts Him? He's also said that He will perfect everything that concerns the one who loves Him. This doesn't mean everything is good, but some way, somehow He will work it out for good. The premise of this promise is holding on tightly to Jesus. Romans 8:28; Psalm 138:8
I'm learning to LISTEN to God. Sometimes God appears to be silent. But He's not. He's always working behind the scenes, and He speaks not only through His word, but also through creation, through circumstances, even through other people. Listen carefully and you will hear Him. I read somewhere the other day that many people have never heard His inaudible voice. But I have, and I want to hear more of it. There's nothing quite like that nudge in my heart that lets me know it's the voice of the living God. But I tend to hear it best when I'm holding on tightly to Jesus.
I'm learning to THINK of good things instead of only bad. Oh, in today's culture it's so easy to dwell only on the bad, thinking of nothing else. I'm not suggesting we ignore the bad. We must tend to it. But I am challenging each of us to purposely think more about what is good. Learn to dwell on that. This is just another way of holding on tightly to Jesus. Philippians 4:8
Just like that little girl safely crossed the street by holding on tightly to her mom, we will safely cross the streets of our lives if we hold on tightly to Jesus.
Stand firmly on your scooter and hold on tight!
My love and blessings,
Judy Rose Grubaugh