Hold on

 

One of the best investments we made as first-time homeowners was purchasing a high-quality swing set for our kids in the backyard. When we bought our first home, we were very young and didn’t have much extra money, but it turned out to be one of the best decisions. Ten years later, our kids are still enjoying it. Their favorite part is the monkey bars, where they spend most of their time. Our youngest watches the older ones and tries to join in, but she can only manage a few bars before her strength gives out. When she can barely hold on, she calls for me to come and physically support her so she can finish crossing.

When I came across the verse, "... all the people hung on every word he said" from Luke 19:48, I pictured our youngest on the jungle gym. The Israelite people of that time were living in difficult circumstances. Oppressed by the Roman Empire, they were eagerly awaiting their promised Redeemer. They were barely holding on. When Christ came and began to preach the good news of the Gospel, it was as if he came around and lifted them up, offering support. They hung on his words, which provided them strength during their struggles.

His words have the power to uplift and support us even today, especially when we feel like we are barely holding on. Meditating on His teachings provides the strong foundation we need to navigate life's challenges.