HELD

The Lord God says “I will never leave you!” (Hebrews 13:5). I needed that reminder at the start of 2025 and here it is, in case you need it too.

I took this picture on a wintry prayer walk at Waverley Abbey. The verse is so well-known that it’s like an old picture on the wall, I glaze over and don’t notice it. But that phrase, “I won’t relax my hold on you” caught my attention.

At the turn of the year, my son and daughter-in law came to stay with baby Joel. At that point, he had colic and we took turns building upper strength and trying to settle him. At one point, I looked across at Johnny holding him as Joel wriggled and cried and I thought, little Joel doesn’t know he is held secure. Eventually, he settled quietly in his father’s arms, but I felt a little prompt in my heart, that sometimes I’m yelling and wriggling and screaming and I don’t know that God has me secure. But God won’t drop me.

As you look ahead to 2025, do you know God has you held secure? We need to know this because much of life is insecure. The older I get, the more I realise is out of my control. But it is precisely when the path is uneven and rocky that God holds on tightest. Like when I am walking upstairs carrying my granddaughter and I hold my precious cargo very tight.

‘Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in Him, for He shields him all day long; and the one the Lord loves rests between His shoulders.’ Deuteronomy 33:12

The Lord has you in his strong hold. You are secure in him.