Day 14 — Don’t Hold Back
Scripture
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.” — Proverbs 3:5-6
Reflection
As we get older, it can become easy to “hold back.” After decades of living, we have experienced many seasons of change. We might limit our expectations or shrink our hopes to protect ourselves. After living through years of disappointment, health challenges, or loss, the heart learns to be cautious. We begin to think that if we don’t hope for too much, we won’t be hurt again. We try to protect ourselves from feeling more pain by keeping a tight grip on our lives.
One gentleman I visited often said something I will never forget: “Pastor, I trust God… but only with the small things. The big things? I keep those close to me.” We laughed together because he was so honest. He was happy to trust God with the weather or his daily meals, but he was afraid to entrust his deepest worries about his future to God. Then I gently encouraged him with these words, “Maybe it is time you trust Him with everything. Your hands are getting tired from holding on so tight.” That moment was a turning point for him. It is a reminder that when we hold things back, we are trying to be our own “protector.”
His Nearness is your safety. Holding back may feel like a shield, but it actually keeps us from experiencing God’s full peace and provision. Trusting God with all your heart means releasing the “handle” on your worries. It means believing that He is faithful in every small detail—and every giant concern—of your life.
Think about your long history with the Lord.
- He has carried you through storms you didn’t think you would survive.
- He provided for you when you couldn’t see a way forward.
- He comforted you when your grief felt like it would never end.
God has a 100% success rate in being faithful to you. He has never dropped you before, and He will not start now.
Today, ask yourself: What am I holding back from God? Is it a worry about a medical report? A fear for your children or grandchildren? A pain from the past that still stings? He is worthy of your complete trust. He doesn’t just want a piece of your heart; He wants to hold all of it, because He knows exactly how to care for it.
Rest Reflection:
Imagine you are holding something tightly in your hand.
Now, imagine opening your hand and letting God take it.
As you do this, you might want to hum the chorus of
“Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus.”
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er!
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus! O for grace to trust Him more!
Personal Prayer
Lord, help me to trust You without holding back. Take my fears, my hopes, and my worries. Fill my heart with confidence because I know You are taking care of me. Thank You for being so near. Amen.
A Blessing for You
May the Lord strengthen your trust today. May He draw you closer to Him and calm your worries. May He give you the courage to lean fully on Him without any fear.
A Thought to Remember
“Trust grows when we stop holding back and start leaning in.”
Help us Pass the Cup of Refreshment
Devotionals are like a cup of cool water—best when shared. If today’s reflection on His Nearness touched your heart, please send it to a friend, neighbor, or family member who might need a lift today.