Faith along the way

For the past few days, I’ve been thinking about the things in our life that we grip or hold tightly to, and I thought about what it means to grip. Grip is defined by dictionary.com as follows: the act of grasping; seizing and holding fast; to hold or control. Some things that come to mind are:

• People…a spouse, relative, or friend
• Possessions
• Position, status
• Wealth
• A job
• Our routine
• Pride
• Things of the world

These things can be good in the proper context, but if they become things we grip so tightly to that we refuse to let go, or if they become who or what we identify ourselves with, then that may become a problem. I am reminded that who I am is defined by who God says I am. My identity as a born-again believer is in Christ my Lord and Savior.

If I lose focus, become too wrapped up in worldly things, grip tightly to things because I want to be in control…I just may lose out on something, some other blessing, that God wants for me because I am holding too tightly to what is comfortable, what is known. Let’s face it, don’t we like to be in our comfort zone? I do. Sometimes it’s a little scary when things change, when God asks us to go a different route, to do someone new. That’s where faith comes in and where we have to trust in God and remember how He’s always been faithful in the past, how He’s always helped us and guided us along the way.

I love my husband, my family, my friends, my dogs, my home and the blessings God has given me along the way, but nothing compares to my relationship with Him. Without Him, I don’t know what I would do. He is my comfort, my strength, my joy, my salvation. Life is not perfect, but I know I can count on Him to help me through each day.

So for now, I’m going to try to be more mindful of what I am gripping too tightly, to hold lightly to the things of this world….and hold tightly, grip very tightly, to the things of God.

All glory to our great God and His blessings to you,

Jackie