The Word in the Wings
The Word in the Wings > Holding God’s Hand
Holding God's Hand
By: Rachel Noonan
We live in a world where we are told to do more and to constantly improve ourselves. As a dancer and perfectionist, I am no stranger to this feeling. No matter how many times I tell myself otherwise, there is always a tiny voice in the back of my head saying that I need to do better. I need to be a better dancer, a better friend, and even a better Christian. Even when trying to relax, my mind is running, questioning why I am not being more productive. I know that I am not the only one. I have met so many people, both older and younger than me, who do not know how to rest. It is the perfect formula for feeling burnt out and empty.
This is not God’s design for our life. He encourages us to rest, offering us salvation and hope as we walk beside him. Our company’s upcoming ballet, Walk This Road, includes a piece that reflects this entitled “Abide With Me.” In this duet, the dancers desire to walk alongside God. They reach out to him, lifting their arms up as if holding his hand like a child would to a parent. I always find this particular movement striking – how often in the stress and whirlwind of my life do I actually reach out to God? How often do I treat him like a father?
"[God] encourages us to rest, offering us salvation and hope as we walk beside him."
A father takes care of his child. The young child does not need to worry, and is relaxed and free from the pressures of society. There is no need for constant productivity. When a child is scared, they look to the father for support and comfort. This is how God wants us to rely on Him. In Matthew 18:4 (ESV), it says that “whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Humbling ourselves involves putting our pride aside to admit that we can’t do everything. We aren’t in control, but rather God is; and if in Genesis 2:1-3 (ESV), God, the Creator of the universe, “rested on the seventh day,” why shouldn’t we humble ourselves and rest as well?
The lyrics of Matt Maher’s song, “Abide With Me,” shows this dependence on God. Just like a child, there is a call out to God, begging for Him to “Walk with me and never leave” (Maher). There is a desperation to feel close to God and to feel His warmth. Alongside this desperation is reassurance as Maher sings “love that will not ever let me go” (Maher); He is holding our hand.
"our father is always with us"
Notice how the line says that he will never let us go. God gives us this promise through Moses in Deuteronomy 31:6 (ESV) who declares that “It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you.” Even when we feel that we aren’t good enough – or that we need to constantly do better – God is still holding our hands. Our Father is always with us.
So, when we feel burnt out and like we are not enough, instead of trying to rely on ourselves to pick up the pieces, let’s start crying out to our Father. In Him, we will find rest and a hope for the future.
Works Cited:
Maher, Matt. “Abide With Me.” Saints and Sinners, Essential Records, 2015. Spotify, https://open.spotify.com/track/0ocaDYnVGNWAvu037JI0Pt?si=9498a7b8a5e14d76.
