No, No, You Never Let Go

Things happen.  We don’t always know why.  We examine our hearts.  We pray and ask God for forgiveness. Wepray about things that “if” we didthem or “think” we did – we repentand ask forgiveness for that too. We pray. . .we wait. . .not always patiently, I might add, but I havelearned through many years of following the footsteps of my Savior that Godalways answers our prayers: in His time, in His way, and Hisway is one of these three: yes, no, or wait. 

2012 is well on its way and ithas not been they way I would have chosen to start a year out. . .any year forthat matter!  So, I decided thatnow might be a good time to brush up on my readings of Job. 

Job 23:10, 11, 12, and 14 reads, “But he knows the way that I take; when he hastried me, I shall come out as gold. My foot has held fast to his steps; I havekept his way and have not turned aside. I have not departed from the commandment of his lips; I have treasuredthe words of his mouth more than my portion of food. For he will complete what heappoints for me, and many such things are in his mind. “

It is sometimes quite difficultto focus and to write when you are just not feeling well.  You start a page and give up.  You throw out your “inspired” moment.  You toss the idea – “oh, that wasn’tGod speaking to me anyhow. . .” When these “things” happen to us, it’s reallyeasy to feel separated from God, from our friends. . . no one likes acomplainer – we all have problems and you reach a point where you just get sickand tired of being sick and tired.

However, in the midst of it all,I am a firm believer that, if everything seems to be going your way and thereis no opposition, one of two things is occurring:  [1] it’s the calm before the storm and the Lord is preparingyou for battle; reminding you how to put on your armor and how to stand. [2] Youare riding on the “other side of the fence” and the enemy doesn’t feel a needto “bother” you.  So, in light ofnumber 1, above, I decided that I’ve been getting pushed around long enough. Withthe exception of the illness I have been fighting, I had suspicions about theother things that had been happening and should have had my armor shined, puton and ready for battle, shield held high.

As I stood inside of ourcommunity of believers this morning, I listened to hundreds of voices singingthe song, “You Never Let Go” by MattRedman

Eventhough I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
Your perfect love is casting out fear
And even when I'm caught in the middle of the storms of this life
I won't turn back
I know you are near

And I will fear no evil
For my God is with me
And if my God is with me
Whom then shall I fear?
Whom then shall I fear?

(Chorus:)
Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go
In every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go
Lord, You never let go of me

And I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
A glorious light beyond all compare
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
We'll live to know You here on the earth

(Chorus)

Yes, I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
Still I will praise You, still I will praise You

Asthe worship band and leaders led us in praise, the melody proceeded and thewords flowed from my lips as I joined the other believers. I listened to eachand every word as I realized that, although it was a time of trial and testing,and even though I am not quite sure exactly what God is doing in our lives, Iknow HE will NEVER let go! No matter what. No matter how long.  And there will be an end totroubles.  And, yes, I have andwill continue to praise Him in the midst of it all, I praise Him. 

As I pulled away from the church’sparking lot today, the sun was shining, it was 42º (mid February!) and Irealized God would never let go.  Iknew that while I was feeling better today that tomorrow would be Monday.  The words to another old hymn floodedmy mind.  It has been one of myfavorites and it has sustained me many times over the years.  The writer was Ira Stanphill. I hope youwill find its words comforting, uplifting, and may the words to this songminister deeply to your soul.

I Know WhoHolds Tomorrow

I don't know about tomorrow;
I just live from day to day.
I don't borrow from its sunshine
For its skies may turn to grey.

I don't worry o'er the future,
For I know what Jesus said.
And today I'll walk beside Him,
For He knows what is ahead.

Many things about tomorrow
I don't seem to understand
But I know who holds tomorrow
And I know who holds my hand.

Every step is getting brighter
As the golden stairs I climb;
Every burden's getting lighter,
Every cloud is silver-lined.

There the sun is always shining,
There no tear will dim the eye;
At the ending of the rainbow
Where the mountains touch the sky.

Many things about tomorrow
I don't seem to understand
But I know who holds tomorrow
And I know who holds my hand.

I don't know about tomorrow;
It may bring me poverty.
But the one who feeds the sparrow,
Is the one who stands by me.

And the path that is my portion
May be through the flame or flood;
But His presence goes before me
And I'm covered with His blood.

Many things about tomorrow
I don't seem to understand
But I know who holds tomorrow
And I know who holds my hand.

To God be the glory forever, Amen.

“For God's Word is solid to the core; everythinghe makes is sound inside and out.  Heloves it when everything fits, when his world is in plumb-line true. Earth is drenched in God's affectionate satisfaction.” Psalm33:4-5 The Message