Stop Holding On

“We are hanging on”, is the answer a friend gave me recently when I asked how he was doing. It brought to my mind a contemporary Christian song by Casting Crowns, Just Be Held. I have been enjoying this song and the messages within it for a few weeks. In my minds eye I see a person holding onto the end of a rope with a look of desperation on their face. (you can hear the song here.)

One line in the chorus sums it up: I'm on the throne, stop holding on and just be held.

God is still on His throne and He is in control. He is in control of the world, as well as our lives. We don't need to fear. We can trust Him in the little things and the big things. Some things happen in our lives that are not pleasant and we wonder why? We live in a fallen world and sin abounds. Some things He allows for our good or growth. But some things may happen as a result of our disobedience or sin.

So what should we do? This song says, “stop holding on.” To me this means surrender. Surrender to God's plan, surrender to God saying, repent. Surrender to your selfish desires. You have probably heard the phrase, “Let Go and Let God”. The old time phraseology was - die to self. Why is it so hard to surrender our will to God's will? Other than the fact that we are sinful people, I think it is a lack of trust. Why wouldn't we be able to trust a loving God who only wants the best for us? So, the key is to know the Father's heart and realize we can put our trust in him and surrender our lives to him. Psalm 37:5, Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him, and he will act. Psalm 9:10, And those who know your name will put their trust in you; for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.

So picture this person holding onto the rope in despair, and then letting go of the rope. But instead of destruction, he falls into the loving arms of Jesus! In this life! It is a safe place. It is a warm, comforting place. It is a place of peace. John 14:27, Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you, Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. I love this verse found in Zephaniah 3:17, The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.

My prayer is that you will remember that God is on His throne. Remember to let go of your plans and trust God's plans. Remember to rest in His arms, feel his love surround you and just be held.

"Just Be Held"

Hold it all together
Everybody needs you strong
But life hits you out of nowhere
And barely leaves you holding on

And when you're tired of fighting
Chained by your control
There's freedom in surrender
Lay it down and let it go

So when you're on your knees and answers seem so far away
You're not alone, stop holding on and just be held
Your world's not falling apart, it's falling into place
I'm on the throne, stop holding on and just be held
Just be held, just be held

If your eyes are on the storm
You'll wonder if I love you still
But if your eyes are on the cross
You'll know I always have and I always will

And not a tear is wasted
In time, you'll understand
I'm painting beauty with the ashes
Your life is in My hands

So when you're on your knees and answers seem so far away
You're not alone, stop holding on and just be held
Your worlds not falling apart, its falling into place
I'm on the throne, stop holding on and just be held
Just be held, just be held

Lift your hands, lift your eyes
In the storm is where you'll find Me
And where you are, I'll hold your heart
I'll hold your heart
Come to Me, find your rest
In the arms of the God who won't let go

So when you're on your knees and answers seem so far away
You're not alone, stop holding on and just be held
Your worlds not falling apart, its falling into place
I'm on the throne, stop holding on and just be held (stop holding on and just be held)
Just be held, just be held, just be held, just be held

Photo courtesy of nuttakit at FreeDigitalPhotos.net