Whether it’s our grandmother’s china set, a note from a friend, or breakfast get-togethers with mom, we tend to hold onto what matters to us. Our lives are filled with heirlooms, experiences, and relationships very special to us.
 
I attach myself to a lot of things. My family, select friends, and now my Ecuador family, are most important to me, so I intentionally invest in those relationships. Then there are responsibilities and pastimes, to which I commit time and determination. Last come the extras; I get to what I can, and as for the rest … God knows the intentions of my heart. We can’t hang onto everything and everyone that has ever crossed our paths, so we choose to stick with the most meaningful.
 
How about you? Who and what fill your life?
 
There are innumerable possibilities vying for our attention. For me, I always want to cling to the faith entrusted to me by God. Amid life’s activity, I strive to establish myself in the truth of God’s Word. Above all, I desire to discipline myself in the Spirit to follow Christ’s example.
 
None of this would be possible, however, if it weren’t for God’s love for me. You and I can only love because He loved us first, right? (1 John 4:19). If God were not clinging to me, I would never be able to hold onto Him.
 
This is something for which I repeatedly thank and praise Him. Every day, I am grateful for another occasion to grow in knowledge and service of God.
 
It truly is a gift to wake up breathing. How much more of a privilege to walk in newness of life in Jesus Christ (Romans 6:4)! To roll out of bed and know you belong to God; to pour your coffee and realize He’s inviting you to partake in His majesty; to go about your day and live in the gratitude of a life rescued and transformed by a merciful Savior.
 
I can’t think of a better life story!
 
God’s Provision: The cross! Our Father, Maker of heaven and earth, sets His love upon us and eternally clings to us through Jesus Christ.
 
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? … For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
– Romans 8: 35, 38-39, ESV
 
Word of the Week: Shekinah. This brings to mind the radiant glory of God manifested as cloud, fire, and other fearsome phenomena. God’s presence with His people was enduring, striking, and transforming. It still is. Even now, He reigns in glory and refines us to perfection.
 
Yes, we cling to Him. Even more, He clings to us.

Authored by Abby Bennett on September 21, 2022.