Once upon a time there was a little girl who had to stay in the castle because a great malady had come over the land. She filled her days with reading books and spending time with the Lord. He became her best friend. They would have deep conversations.

One day He asked the little girl if she would like to go on an adventure with Him. She enthusiastically responded and asked where they would go. He told the little girl to trust Him, took her hand and said, “Follow me.” 

Soon they came to the edge of the forest. The woods were thick and wet from the recent rain. The little girl hesitated because it seemed like there was no way to pass through the thick undergrowth. The Lord, sensing her dilemma, told the little girl to just trust because there is always a way. As He held her hand they both stepped in the underbrush.

At first she was frightened because she could feel the thorns. She felt engulfed by the dangling vines. Bugs were everywhere! She couldn’t shoo them away because she knew she had to keep hold of the Lord’s hand. He didn’t say a word, just squeezed her hand tighter and smiled down at her. They continued their journey into the forest. They went deeper and deeper. The path became more treacherous. The little girl thought the Lord had made a mistake bringing them into such a dangerous place. 

She started to question Him, but He just squeezed her hand again and said, “Trust me.” They traveled on and now the little girl thought they were lost. How would they find their way home? Then the little girl noticed that the Lord was not troubled. He was calmly stepping over the fallen logs and brushing aside the branches. 

Soon they came to a clearing. The sun was shining. The trees glistened. The little girl and the Lord sat on a fallen log. He put His arm around her shoulder and asked, “Do you see the beauty in the midst of the forest? My goodness and righteousness are always on display if you are willing to keep walking through the unknown. Did I ever leave you during the dark and dangerous journey? Did I ever forsake you when you were scared and tired? Did I ever abandon you to the enemies that did skulk in the forest? No, you did as I asked. As you held my hand, you trusted me. It was even alright when you felt hesitant and uncertain, as long as you never let go.”

The little girl and the Lord stayed in the clearing for a long time. She enjoyed the time of solitude and refreshment with the Lord. She knew the forest with its dangers still lurked around her, but she was even more sure, that as long as she held her Lord’s hand and stayed on His pathway, He would always be there. 

“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in Whom I trust.'”  Psalm 91

In these tumultuous times, let us all hold on tightly to the Lord’s hand. He will never leave us or forsake us. May you find refreshment in His presence.

~Marianne