“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.” Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)

I read a story about a little girl who was very nervous at the prospect of her first horseback ride, even though she was to be perched behind her grandfather who was an excellent rider. As her parents helped her onto the horse, she cried, “What do I do? I don’t know how to ride a horse! I’ve never done this before! What do I do?”

Her grandfather said in a reassuring tone, “Don’t worry about the horse or about how to ride it. Just hold on to me, Darlin’, just hold on to me.”

This story reminds me of the familiar saying, “When you’re at the end of the rope, hold onto your faith.” That’s easier said than done unless you realize that the object of your faith is a person—Jesus Christ. We always can hold onto Him.

It’s when we lose touch with the Lord that we fall into fear and panic, but keeping our minds on Him in thought, prayer, and worship brings peace to our hearts and minds. Most of us have sung about this truth. Today let the words of this old faithful hymn sink deep into your soul.

What a friend we have in Jesus,

all our sins and grief to bear!

What a privilege to carry

everything to God in prayer!

O what peace we often forfeit

O what needless pain we bear,

all because we do not carry

everything to God in prayer

Have we trials and temptations?

Is there trouble anywhere?

We should never be discouraged;

take it to the Lord in prayer.

Can we find a friend so faithful

who will all our sorrows share?

Jesus knows our every weakness;

take it to the Lord in prayer.

We must grip tightly to our faith in Christ through prayer and mediation on a daily basis Then, whether our day is like a tried old nag or a bucking –bronco, holding on to our faith keeps us in the saddle until the ride is over. However, if we look to ourselves or at the “beast,” whatever that may be, then we will always feel weak, helpless, and afraid.

Like the grandfather, who was an excellent rider, our heavenly Father is even greater. Christ has both hands on the reins. He knows how to ride, which direction the horse will run, and how long the journey will last. All we have to do is hold on.

Dear Lord, No matter how wild the ride gets, I trust that You are in control and I’m safe holding on to You, in Jesus’ Name, Amen.

***

Related Resources:

Do you know Him?

Micca Campbell’s Testimony on DVD

Who Holds the Key to Your Heart? by Lysa TerKeurst

Application Steps:

If you’ve never trusted Christ to be your Savior, then you don’t have any faith to hold on to. I invite you to visit the “Do you Know Him” section of our site. If you do have faith, remember that faith is a person—Jesus Christ. He is all knowing, all powerful, and He cares for you. Hold tight to these truths.

Reflections:

What do you put your faith in—a friend, a family member, yourself or Christ?

Who is holding the reins of your life, you or Christ?

How often do you talk to Jesus in prayer about your burdens, heartaches, or trials?

According to this devotion, what brings us lasting peace?

Power Verses:

Nahum 1:7 “The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in Him.” (KJV)

Philippians 4:6, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” NIV

Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” NIV

John 14:1, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.” NIV