I am working something out in my spirit.

If you belong to God then you are always safe.

If you belong to God, there is nothing, NO THING, to fear.

If you belong to God, you are held by Him.

Held by God - what a precious thought! But let me go back to my opening statement - I am working something out in my spirit, because really it would be more accurate to say, “I am working something into my spirit.” Because its not my thoughts, my understanding, my truth - this all came directly from Jesus.

 27 My sheep respond as they hear My voice; I know them intimately, and they follow Me. 28 I give them a life that is unceasing, and death will not have the last word. Nothing or no one can steal them from My hand. 29 My Father has given the flock to Me, and He is superior to all beings and things. No one is powerful enough to snatch the flock from My Father’s hand. - John 10

Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful,” (John 14:27). What He didn’t say was that nothing bad would happen to us. He never promised that cancer or car accidents or broken hearts or depression or death wouldn’t touch our lives…He promised His peace in the midst of it.

How can my heart not be troubled, seeing the world we live in?
How can fear not paralyze me?

It goes back to me working out what the Spirit has worked into my heart…
I can’t protect myself or the ones I love…but I can rest, knowing that those who belong to Him are held in His hands,
hands of love and mercy,
hands sovereign over all people and all things,
hands strong enough to keep that which was committed unto them,
hands that don’t lose anyone.

Its been a week where I have brushed loss, seismic loss. And the aftershock of it has made me inventory my life and loved ones and want to white-knuckle cling to it all. But that response doesn’t fit…especially for a sheep, known intimately by a Good Shepherd who lays down His life for her, who holds her in His hands.

If I know I am safe, then I am free to let go and trust Him.

Here Again, Elevation Worship
Can't go back to the beginning
Can't control what tomorrow will bring
But I know here in the middle
Is the place where you promise to be

I'm not enough unless you come
Will you meet me here again
Cause all I want is all you are
Will you meet me here again

As I walk now through the valley
Let your love rise above every fear
Like the sun shaping the shadow
In my weakness your glory appears

I'm not enough unless you come
Will you meet me here again
Cause all I want is all you are
Will you meet me here again
[x2]

Not for a minute
Was I forsaken
The Lord is in this place
The Lord is in this place

Come Holy Spirit
Dry bones awaken
The Lord is in this place
The Lord is in this place