I was thinking today about how God holds us together and was reminded of a time a few years back when I had a pretty rough encounter with a horse. While riding, I was bronco bucked off and ended up with a broken collarbone among other things. The break was nasty, and after months of waiting for it to heal, the specialist told me there was no improvement. He suggested we give it a few more weeks, but if nothing changed, I’d need surgery to put a plate in to hold the bones together.
Sitting in the doctor’s office, I remember praying and feeling God whisper to my heart, “It’s going to be fine.” I saw a picture in my mind of Jesus holding my bones together with His hands. The verse “He holds all things together” (Colossians 1:17) came to mind, and I felt at peace. I walked out, arm still in a sling but filled with a new confidence that Jesus was holding me together. A few weeks later, I had a follow-up appointment and, to the specialist’s surprise, the bones had reconnected and fused perfectly. I was given the all-clear!
“For in Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things were created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him, all things hold together.” (Colossians 1:16-17)
God knows exactly what we go through and offers His grace and mercy to us, and especially when we need His help. When we have a request, feel like our lives are coming apart at the seams or are in desperate need of a breakthrough, He invites us to “…approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16).
This word “help” that Paul uses in this verse is the Greek word boetheia, which was originally a nautical term used by sailors. When a ship was being battered by a storm and was at risk of breaking apart, sailors would wrap the boat with ropes or chains to hold it together. This act, called frapping, would strengthen the ship and keep it intact through the pounding waves. In the same way, God’s love, grace and power which are all available to us, are like those ropes that bind us, frapping our lives together, so no storm can destroy us when He’s holding us.
Whatever you may be facing, God wants you to come boldly to Him. He promises to give you all you need to keep moving forward and overcome any difficulty or circumstance. Trust that He’s holding you together with His power and His love today.
Prayer: Lord, I’m asking for Your help today, knowing that You promise to heal, provide, deliver, and hold me together. Thank You that I can confidently approach Your throne and receive grace in my time of need. Please help me with (insert prayer need here.........) In Jesus' name, Amen.
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