Leading MarriedPeople can be very challenging. And, even though I take pretty good care of myself, my body has been letting me know I am stressing too much about work. For example, I have been grinding my teeth.
I recently spent an hour in the car, and while driving I talked to God about what was troubling me. I said, “God, please help me know how safe I am with You.”
That afternoon, I spent some time on our trampoline with my kids. We jumped and laughed and hid from the hawks flying overhead. I enjoyed myself. I enjoyed my kids. I enjoyed the weather. It felt so good. Then something happened I hope I never forget.
We stopped jumping, laid on our backs, and gazed into the sky. My 9-year-old son, Judson, who is not affectionate (to the point of concerning his Mom and me), laid on top of me with his head in my neck and his body “Koala Bear-ed” into mine. I held him close, but not hard. I was surprised because he typically tries to get out of any hug by squirming. But over a minute passed and Judson was totally relaxed and tucked neatly into me. My big boy was letting me hold him. I had him just where I wanted him.
In that moment God gave me exactly what I asked of Him, to know I am safe with Him. I loved that my son trusted me enough to hold him and that no words were needed. There was a peace and safety between a dad and his son that felt right. God reminded me that I am safe with Him. He loves to—and is so able to—hold me. I just have to let Him.
So many times I squirm, worry, stress, and grind my teeth while I am doing “God’s work.” I imagine the Lord thinks about me the way I think about Judson: “Just let me hold you. You are safe. I've got this. I've got you. I love you my boy.”
I need to remember that Psalm 121:7 is 100% true, “The Lord will keep you from all harm—He will watch over your life.”
God, help me to become a man in my world by becoming a child in Yours. Amen.
How do you let God hold you in the midst of chaos?
