“Just Be Held” is the title of a song from the latest CD release by “Casting Crowns.”  I played it for the guys at our last “wildman” retreat.  I try to keep up on contemporary Christian music.  The words to a lot of the songs are what I call “Fluff.”  There is no spiritual meat.  But groups like Casting Crowns have great words, that speak to real life as we journey with Jesus.  I also listen with men in mind.  There is a “male soulfulness” that men can relate to as they listen to Casting Crowns.  Another group I like is “MercyMe.”

Anyway, the refrain in the song is great.  “So when you’re on your knees /and answers seem so far away/you’re not alone/stop holding on and just be held/ Your world’s not falling apart/It”s falling into place/I’m on the throne/stop holding on.”  These words, in my opinion, speak directly to men on the journey, as  we seek to be transformed more into the likeness of Jesus.  We are not in control Remember this is an ‘inside job.”  God brings the change.  It is not about our “spiritual improvement projects.”

There are times when we are simply”holding on,” attempting to patch up and “fix” our spiritual life.  But we are encouraged to “stop holding on and just be held.”  In other words, let go, trust, and rest in the arms of our heavenly Father.  When I heard this song, it brought to mind two Psalms.  First Ps. 40:1-2, ‘I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry.  He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock, and gave me a firm place to stand.”  We are encouraged to wait patiently, allowing  the Lord to lift us out of the pit, rather then hanging on for dear life.  He will give us a firm place to stand.

The other Psalm was Ps. 131:2, “But I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with it mother, like a weaned child I am content.”  A weaned child is held in love.  Here are some more words from the song. “in the storm is where you will find me/and where you are/I’ll hold your heart/come to me/find your rest in the arms of a God who won’t let go.”  Remember men, God is with you in the midst of the storm.  It takes real trust in a loving God to believe that he holds your  heart, as you rest in his arms, during the storms of life.

My advise, which I have to practice regularly is as follows: First, from the depth of my being I cry out, “God, have mercy on me. I really need your help.”  Secondly, I hold on in simple childlike trust. I take a day at a time.  Thirdly, I thank God that he is with me and taking care of me far beyond my understanding.  Fourthly,  from this firm place, I go forth to  follow Jesus no matter what the cost.  And Fifthly, I  ask him to continually fill me with His Spirit.