Darkness engulfing, waters rising around their feet, the father picked up his tiny daughter. “Hold on to me. Don’t let go.”

“Daddy, I’m so scared.” Trying to be brave, trying not to cry, the little one shook in his arms.

He gripped her tight against his chest. “It’s okay. I’m right here. I know the way. I’ll get you through.”

The night was so very dark, the way was so very difficult, the water so very deep. Desperate to stay safe, her small fingers clung to him. “But what if I can’t hold on?”

“Oh, little one, even if your grip let’s go, I won’t ever let you go.” His strong arms wrapped tighter around her.

In the torrent of wind, rain, and rising water, she screamed as her hands were torn from him. She couldn’t see him, couldn’t feel him, yet his grip never let go and never failed.

The father set her safely on the shore, knelt in front of her, and gently took hold of her hand. “Little one, always remember, I will never leave you or forsake you, I will always bring you safely through, and I will be with you forever.”

Heavenly Father, thank You that I can hold on to You. Thank You when the storms of life come against me and I don’t think I can hold on, even when I can’t hold on to You, or see You, or even know You are there, thank You that You will never let me go and always bring me safely through to the other side.

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior … Do not be afraid, for I am with you” (Isaiah 43:2, 5, NIV).

For, “God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1, NASB).

“The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning” (Lamentations 3:22-23, NLT).

“The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged” (Deuteronomy 31:8, NIV).

“…I am with you always [remaining with you perpetually—regardless of circumstance, and on every occasion], even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20, AMP).

From Heart and Soul Medication by Lisa Buffaloe