Since coyotes roam this area, I always try to get my cat in at night. One evening, I waited until dark to go out. My granddaughter Riley was here and wanted to go with me. We called and called but with no response. We walked out further into the darkness to find him. At this, Riley grabbed my hand and held on tight. Since I had made this trip many times, I walked with confidence, but now, instead of one hand in mine, I noticed both hands around my arm. Before long, Riley wanted me to carry her. Now, I walked more slowly and was breathing harder as those little arms wrapped tightly around my neck. The farther we walked, the darker it got, but because of the light of the moon, I spied my prayer chair and headed for it to rest. Now, we could see the stars, every one put into place by our Creator. Riley loosened her grip a bit as we talked about that heavenly scene. The light from the moon shone on her beautiful face as we picked out the big and little dippers and all the stars that God had flung into existence. As we walked back to the house, she again wrapped her little arms around me. I was her protector and her strength. She knew that those coyotes would have to go through me to get to her!

Like Riley, I often need to be carried by my Protector! When I am afraid, I need someone stronger than myself. In those times, I very often find myself drawn to Isaiah 40, because it tells not only of God's protection, but also of His awesome power and how I can draw from it in my weakness.

Isaiah 40:11-12 – He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens? Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket, or weighed the mountains on the scales and the hills on a balance? (NIV)

Are you weary of life? Do you long for your strength to be renewed? Today, I was drawn to verse 31:

Isaiah 40:31 – But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (NIV)

In Hebrew, "hope in the Lord" means to bind together with, to be gathered together, or, like Riley, to wrap around. Riley grabbed my neck because she trusted me to keep her safe. As I carried her, she trusted my strength. Oh, to trust and have hope, to wait upon the Lord like a child!

We got back to the house safe and sound with cat in hand and Grandma very tired. It's good to know that our Father in heaven does not get tired and that He will carry us through anything that life has for us, if we just throw our arms around His neck and hold on. Pray with me:

Prayer: Dear Father in heaven, hear my prayer as I long to jump into Your arms where I can find peace and the confidence that I am safe with You. Amen.

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About the author:

Jeanie Nihiser <jnihiserj@gmail.com>
Geneseo, New York, USA
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