Mercifully in His Grip

I recently read a wonderful analogy about our true position in Christ. It was shockingly contrary to the messages that were impressed upon me in church, but deeply rooted in the Bible. The analogy is that of child and a parent. If you have ever taken a small child to the supermarket, you will know about the “two grips.”

Grip #1: The child holding on to you. 

 

This is a tenuous grip at best. As soon as he or she gets in the store, the tendency is to seek freedom immediately – to let go of your hand and explore, to be free, to be untethered. A child can only see what is right in front of them and they will usually go for immediate gratification (candy!) with no thought of consequences or foresight. They are not mature enough, so the stronger and wiser adult must hang on to them to save them from themselves. But there is another grip going on at the same time…  

Grip #2:  YOU (the parent or guardian) holding onto the child.   

 

There is no way you are letting that child out of your sight (i.e., your grip). Your grip is much stronger than the child’s grip and you are not letting go, no matter what (Isaiah 41:13, 2 Timothy 2:13).

My experience in church was very focused on practicing and striving for Grip #1.

 

“Christian discipleship,” “spiritual disciplines,” “spiritual transformation” – are all methods I was taught as a means of getting closer to God. But honestly, does God really move according to our behavior? I think not. Practicing Grip #1 (and it can be exhausting) simply gives us a feeling of being closer to God. And feelings are good. However, a “feeling” is not the same thing as a “position.” Our position of security, forgiveness and unconditional love is not based on what we do or don’t do. It is simply a fact based solely on having put our faith in Christ as our Savior. And you only have to do that once (John 3:16).

Who’s Holding Whom? Resting in Grip #2.

 

I am so very grateful that God doesn’t move around based on His feelings. It can be a huge paradigm shift in your life (as it was in mine) to realize that you don’t have to work so hard at staying close to God. He never moves (John 5:24). Just love Him, thank Him, and trust Him – and any fruits of the Spirit that come out of that will put you exactly where you should be. And it will be easy and natural, coming from a place of love and not striving (Matthew 11:29-30). Relax. He’s got your back (1 Corinthians 1:8-9, Isaiah 30:15)

 

Are you living today "holding on" or being "eternally held?" 

 

Try and seek balance in the two grips. Both are necessary, but one is much stronger than the other.

I have a song for everything: 
"He'll do Whatever it Takes" by Phillips, Craig and Dean