It’s a new year. A new month. A new week. A new day. A new moment. And I’ve found some time (or rather made some time) to write. I’m going to let the drafts stay put and gather a little more dust. Today needs a fresh page.

I dug out an empty journal, a gift from a dear friend of mine in Washington. She’s one of my biggest cheerleaders, even from afar. Of course I re-read her note at the front, and remember how she always spoke the truth in love. Her words still cut to my core and cause some tears to fight their way to the surface.

There’s something about a fresh piece of paper that begs for ink. And so, I’ll try something new (it’s a new year after all): writing in this journal before it becomes a blog. Then it has a place and space to be worked on, with a real pen, instead of being hidden in a draft folder on WordPress.

This journal has waited exactly six months to be used. It’s time.

❤️

I was inspired once again by Margaret Feinberg to choose a new one word for the new year. “Breathe” was my word for 2017, and it proved to be the one I needed. This year I wanted a word that focused more on being than doing. And so, in faith, I chose “held.”

Wouldn’t you know, I woke up on January 1st singing a song about being held by the Father…

I have this picture in my mind, of being held in the palm of God’s hands. His hands are cupped… so when I look around, I see His hands. I’m in awe and wonder of Him – who He is and what He does. There’s evidence of His love in action everywhere I turn.

I’m protected. He’s my shield, my refuge, my covering, my safe place. Fear has to go, it has to flee; it doesn’t belong here. His love drives it out.

And when I look up, I see His face. I fix my eyes on His. I’m secure. Unshaken. Captivated by Him, His beauty and His faithfulness.

I am held. I am at home in Him, welcomed in, ushered in. There’s no where else I’d rather be.

And when asked what it is I want from God, what blessing… I want His hand. To hold, to lead, to guide. I want more of Him. For Him to take me by my right hand (Isaiah 41:3) and lead me. For Him to hold me in His righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10). For His right hand to uphold me (Psalm 63:8).

Held. This is the best place to be.

I’m reading 100 Days to Brave by Annie Downs and in yesterday’s devotional I had to ask the question: “What am I supposed to be learning right now?” My response: “to be held.”

And throughout my day, there were reminders everywhere of being held…

“Infinite love holds you.” – Charles Spurgeon, Beside Still Waters

“God is our refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” – Deuteronomy 33:27

“Your love, it won’t let go…” – Exalted One by Elevation Worship

“Keep me within Your love… I’m still in Your hands…” – Do It Again by Elevation Worship

And more reminders today:

“There is a safe feeling in being at home where one is held… I am held together because of Christ…” – Kristen Strong, Girl Meets Change

“I’m not alone, I’ve found my home here in your arms…” – We Dance by Bethel

May we find our home in Him, trusting that He’s the only One who truly satisfies. May we learn to be present with Him, to be held by Him.

Also, if you haven’t already, I encourage you to choose a “one word” for 2018… it’s not too late! Share it below in the comments – I’d love to know what your word is!