All the Hard ThingsSample

Day 9: SAFE WITH HIM

Being Vulnerable with God

It’s a dance of head and heart. We know we are safe with certain people, but our past makes us think of what has happened to us before, and we are tempted to believe the past will repeat itself. Even if those closest to you have been a steady and secure presence, at some point, they have said or done something to disappoint. They’ve broken your heart and been unavailable.

But not God. He is the only one who has never left us stranded or caused us to doubt his allegiance. In his presence is our peace (Ephesians 2:14) and it’s wise to saturate our hearts with his steadfast love.

We can lean away from those who seek to find a close place in our hearts, afraid of getting hurt. But God implores us to come close, to lean in and learn who he is and the truth of his heart. He has wiped away our offenses and longs for us to return to his embrace (Isaiah 44:22).

I can be the most skittish of all, always guarding my tender heart. But I have experienced too much in the last few years to go anywhere other than into God’s arms. The one who sees my experiences and stays with me is one worthy of my praise. He is trustworthy, he is strong, and he alone can save.

I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
PSALM 73:23-26 (NIV)

God is always with us, holding us by our hands. He guides us, consoles us, and sticks by us through our sorrow and surprise. We may lose a job, a loved one, a dream, or a piece of ourselves over the years, but he remains and offers us so much more than we could have imagined. There is nothing on this earth that can come close to what God gives.

When we are weak, his strength sustains.
When we are lacking, his grace provides.
When we are up against an impossibility, he does the unimagined (Matthew 19:26).

Plenty is his portion; salvation is his sweet spot.

As for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge;
I will tell of all your deeds.
PSALM 73:28 (NIV)

It is good to be near my God.

Yes, it is good to walk entwined with him, his scent familiar, the cadence of his voice one we tune our ears to hear, expect to hear, and learn the fall of his footsteps so we can follow closely.

The closer we come to Jesus, the more secure we are. The more comforted we are. The more our confidence is cemented and our faith solidified. Sure, there will still be mysteries and mundane moments in life, but God with us makes them bearable. And not just bearable—in him we can be in these moments with an overcoming peace, well-watered joy, and enduring perseverance, with eyes that see his way through in it all.

When we make the Lord our refuge, we can let our guard down and relax our hearts, knowing we are never alone.

Let his banner over you be love (Song of Solomon 2:4), and the vastness of his presence be enough. He is more than enough; he is everything.

Reflect

Where have you seen God stand by you when no one else has? How can you invite God to come even closer to your heart today?