Let Him hold you

Okay, I know. What kind of a blog post title is that? Well, hopefully by the time you finish reading the post it will all make sense.
I was planning to do a January-in-Review post, and I still will, but this is just something that's been on my heart lately so I thought I'd share it.

January was a difficult month for our family. Dad has been on three antibiotics since Christmas, he has had multiple Dr. visits, and Mom has not been doing too well. Her MS has been acting up, so her vision has been blurred and a lot of the time she feels dizzy. And, in the middle of it all, almost everyone came down with a nasty cold. There were days when Faith, dad and I were the only ones who were up and around.

So, yeah. It's definitely not been one of the better months for our family. There were times this past month where I just wanted to go and hide from everything that was going on. Yes, I know it wouldn't have changed anything, but sometimes hiding can just sound so comforting. A way to get away from everything, even if it's only for a moment or two.
Unfortunately, that's not really possible. Even when you do get away, the thoughts and worries are still there.
There's one song that has been a huge blessing to me this month; "Just be Held" by Casting Crowns.

I tend to try and control the circumstances around me. And even if things don't go as planned, then at least I'll try to stay the same. Not appear affected by what's happening, taking everything in stride. Well, I try. The truth is, I try to ignore it. I look at the facts, see what needs done, and try my best to do it. If I give myself a moment to think, then all the questions I've pushed aside threaten to overwhelm me.
It's easier to stay busy and to not think about it. But even in a house with ten people, there are times when it is quiet, there are times when there is nothing else that needs done.
And that's when all the questions and worries come. That's when I have a choice. I can either do my best to continue in my own strength, which will eventually  fail. Of I can turn everything over to God, and trust that He is holding me and my family in everything we're going through.

Yes, God has a reason. I don't know exactly how it will work out, but it will. In his timing. One of the hardest things for me to do is trust. I have a hard time letting go of things. And when you're in the middle of something that's going on, it is so easy to look at the surroundings. To see the physical side of what's happening and how it effects us.

My favorite line in "Just be Held" is; "When your eyes are on the storm you'll wonder if I love you still, but when 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 in the ashes, your life is in my hands".
God is there. Even in the storm, even in the chaos, He is there, and He loves you. He wants what is best for you, and somehow what you're going through is all part of His will. We may not see it. Honestly, I don't really see it yet, but I know that His plan is there, and someday I will see it.
It is hard to trust, but He knows what's best. There is freedom in surrender. Lay down the circumstances you are trying to control and give them to God.
It's not a one-time only thing. You need to keep trusting God through all the trials that come your way. When you see all the pain and confusion, it is easy to wonder if God can possible use any of it for good. He can and He will, just trust. Release your hold, and instead let Him hold you. Jesus loves you. It's a simple truth, but one that can be hard to grasp.

Jesus is there and He will hold you. Let go, and let God.

So. . .yeah. This is just some things that have been on my heart this past week.

 I will have a "proper" January-review post up sometime later this week. :) I hope you all are having a good week!