The Joy of Being Held


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“The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice, And he who begets a wise child will delight in him.” -- Proverbs 23:24

The sweet scent of the newborn in my arms filled my heart with joy. What a privilege to be invited into my nephew’s home for a week to help him and his wife with their wee twins! I remember feeling overwhelmed by just one baby as a new mom. Yet, now, as a great aunt, helping with the care of two infants and a thriving two-year-old felt like a relaxing vacation. I loved holding, feeding, and even changing the diapers of these three sweet kiddos.

The expressions on infant faces hold no guile. They demonstrate every emotion and sensation unfiltered. Treasured in my memory is the twin brother’s gleeful grin of complete contentment after I had changed, fed, and burped him. He slept joyfully in my arms as I clutched him close to my heart. I smiled too. Who doesn’t smile back at a grinning infant?!

That’s when the Holy Spirit reminded me the Father embraces us with the same joy. King David sang, “He delivered me because He delighted in me.” (Psalm 18:19b) Did you know if you have trusted Jesus to forgive your sins and give you His everlasting life, God the Father chooses to cover you with the perfection of Christ? You are His righteous child. The Lord considers His children wise when they lean on His everlasting strength. You and I are being held just like I cradled that little twin. And like babies, we get angry, hungry, overtired, and just plain fussy. But even when our joy of the Lord wavers, His delight in us does not.

If life hurts right now, if there seems to be nothing pleasant in your circumstances, I encourage you—child of the Most High—to take a deep breath and rest in the all-powerful, never-ending care of your loving Heavenly Father. Let the joy of the Lord strengthen you to walk faithfully through dark times. Trust He is working for your good. Relax. Know you are held.


Questions for Reflection:

1. How can this reminder that you are God’s righteous child change your actions?

2. How does the reminder that God finds you delightful change your attitude?

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    Teri Gasser

    For forty plus years Teri Gasser has as followed Jesus and studied the Bible. She's served in three churches as a Bible study teacher and women's ministry director. She's also been married to her favorite pastor, Bill Gasser, for over forty years. You can learn more about and from her at: steepedintruth.org

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