3:112 – Hold Me Tighter

#faithbites #faithjourney tighter

Today was not a good day at Case del Sol. Between construction workers, internet woes, home schooling, and tired children, it was a bit rough. My youngest was having an extremely rough day with several breakdowns. I was close several times to spanking her. When I was about to, I realized how that made me feel as a child. Instead, I picker her up and the more she hit and yelled, the tighter I held her, telling her I loved her all the while.

This was probably the hardest thing I have had to do in years. Acting in anger is easy. Acting in love is much harder. Now, I am far from perfect, but I know what my dad would have done in that situation. Instead, I try for love. For those wondering, my nerves are shot, I’m exhausted, but I know it’s the better response. She calmed down afterwards. And we’ve had several rounds.

God never hits us. Jesus always gives us love. He gives us rules to live by but will always be there to hold you. Those times when you think he is punishing you, it is him holding you tighter.

Scripture

• Hebrews 10:23 – Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.
• Psalm 34:17-18 – The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.

Reflection

Yell at God. Curse at God. It doesn’t matter, he will hold you tighter. He is near you. He will never turn his back on you, EVER. When we scream out in pain, in prayer, in frustration, he hears us. He is our ever loving father, who know matter what we do, say, or how we act, he wants us. He will take all of the abuse and anger we have, because he loves us.

I am nowhere close to being the all loving, all forgiving father that God is. Each day we try harder to emulate Christ.

Just know that our Father is always with you and holding you tight.

Challenge

Does you blood ever boil? Do you think you are forsaken? Instead of the anger against God, feel his presence around you. His arms are holding you tight to him. You are embraced by the power of the Creator of the Universe. That is Holy Power!

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank you for loving us. Thank you for forgiving us all of our sins. You brought us back to the Father who has his arms around us no matter how we struggle or fight. God, help us to always feel your warmth. When we struggle against your embrace, help us and forgive us. We love you and give you all the power, glory, and honor. Amen.