Hold On

Do you ever feel like the whole world is pressing in on you?  Feel like you are trapped with no feasible way out? I have never been comfortable in confined spaces.  I am certain that when I was an infant swaddled in a blanket I was screaming inside, “Let me out!” Frankly, that feeling has not diminished as an adult.  When I met my husband he played in a band.  He loved live music so while dating we went to many concerts.  I tried to focus on the music, but my stress increased throughout the evening as I looked at the size of the crowd and anticipated the mass exodus.  When the time came, the only way I would survive without a full-blown anxiety attack was to grab my husband’s arm, close my eyes and walk just slightly behind him.  He would forge a way through the crowd and if I happened to peek the only thing I saw was his broad back.  Before I knew it, I was outside breathing in the fresh air….free.

This wasn’t my only option. 

I could have walked into the hallway and yelled, “ Move aside and let me pass.”  Naturally, they would question, “Who are you?” and would be correct in doing so as I had no authority in that situation.

I could have waited an hour or so for the crowd to naturally dissipate.  But, how much of my life do I want to give up to fear?

I could have jumped into the crowd without a plan.  I would have quickly become overwhelmed as I was crushed on every side lacking the strength to push my way out.  

Thank goodness I had the thought to trust someone bigger than myself. One who not only formulated a plan as he could clearly see the exit door, but also had the strength to forge a path for me. One who grabbed my hand, as I threaded it through his arm, and never let go until I was free. 

I have heard from many who are going through a tough season.   Some wonder why their prayers for direction are met with silence.  First, May I encourage you that Jesus has authority over every obstacle you encounter. If you are met with silence you have a clear decision.  Trust or not trust.  At the concert I had to literally shut my eyes to change my focus. I did not need to understand how we were going to get out.  I simply needed to trust in the one who was holding my hand.  Ironically, when we feel so lost and out of control these are the times we are most richly blessed.  When a lesson is no longer something we simply read in a book, but actually experience it changes your paradigm forever.

Grab onto the Savior.   As you see your hand threading into His, know there is neither cause to hide in fear or jump without a plan for He has already forged a path you need only hold on.