Read: John 10:11-30
My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. (v. 29)
Security is a big deal. If you get it when you’re little, you’ll likely have more confidence as an adult. If you lacked arms to hold you and people to love you—people who demonstrated love by protecting you and meeting your needs—you may spend a lot of time looking for security from things rather than relationships. You may even be anti-security, pushing away anything smacking of your neediness; toughening up, looking for the next chance to prove you don’t need anything or anyone.
Such a posture can complicate your relationship with God. I know that because I lived it, but redemption gave me another chance. When Jesus said, “The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (v. 11), and “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” (v. 27), he’s talking about the kind of security experienced in a healthy parent-child bond.
Jesus said you were a gift to him from God, and no one can snatch you out of his hand. Furthermore, you belong to God the Father and there is no one greater to belong to! As you think about that, give yourself a moment to feel secure. Tightly held. Loved. Protected. Wherever you are on the spectrum of security due to your life experiences, learn to love the larger hands holding you. They can be trusted. —Amy Clemens
As you pray, thank God for the assurance of promises kept and eternal hands holding you tightly.
About the Author
With a bachelors in journalism from Texas Tech University and a masters from Western Theological Seminary, Amy Clemens enjoys all things writing, particularly about the life of faith. She is blessed with a family that includes husband Fred, five children, and five grandchildren.
Amy has just published her first book, "Walking When You'd Rather Fly: Meditations on Faith After the Fall," which weaves her journey from childhood abuse toward healing and spiritual growth with a practical theology for the big story of God. You can find out more about the book and author at walkingwhenyoudratherfly.com.
