We Can Always Trust God’s Sturdy Grip… Hello Hump Day readers. Have you ever ‘lost your grip’? A week ago, we were in Creede and going up and down mountains, etc. I have to confess that there were too many times I was certain I would be rolling down wondering if anyone could find me! Usually, I have a really sturdy grip, but getting older changes that—I suspect you have the same problem as well.

Henri Nouwen is one of my favorite Christian teacher and theologian. He was a Dutch Catholic priest, professor, writer and theologian. His interests were rooted primarily in psychology, pastoral ministry, spirituality, social justice and community. Some folks didn’t like him because he was gay; sadly they lost the heart of this man because of their bigotry.

In one of Henri’s books, which was called “Flying, Falling, Catching: An Unlikely Story of Finding Freedom” recounts Nouwen’s profound friendship with a traveling circus troupe! You might say “that’s a bit crazy” but Henri wasn’t crazy, he was however, crazy for sharing the love of Jesus! Here is the lesson from a great trapeze artist group—The Flying Rodleighs.

Henri shares this story saying: “I learned a lot from this great trapeze artist and acrobat. He told me that “The flyer does nothing and the catcher does everything. I have simply to reach out my arms and hands and wait for him to catch me and pull me safely over the apron. The flyer must trust—with outstretched arms—that his catcher will be there for him.”

Henri thought about this trapeze artist and decided that this is just what God does for us every single day and more often than not, we don’t even realize it! Henri would say to people anywhere saying: “In the great trapeze act of salvation, God is the catcher, and we are the flyers. We must trust—period! We must rely solely upon God’s ability to catch us and, as we do trust God, a wonderful thing happens—we fly—indeed we truly FLY!”

While the exact phrase “God will always catch us in time” is a modern summary of Nouwen’s trapeze lesson, it directly echoes several biblical themes of rescue and divine timing…

“The eternal God is your refuge, and his everlasting arms are under you. He drives out the enemy before you; he cries out, ‘Destroy them!’” Deuteronomy 33:27 [NIV]

“If they fall, they will not stay down, because the Lord will help them up.” Psalm 37:24

“Like a shepherd he takes care of his flock. He gathers the lambs in his arms. He carries them in his arms. He gently helps the sheep and their lambs.” Isaiah 40:11 [GWT]

“Even the smallest family will be a powerful nation. I am the Lord and when the time comes, I will quickly do all this.” Isaiah 60:22 [CEV]

In closing, remember this: Your Heavenly Father has never dropped anyone! So be comforted and know that God will never ever drop you, either. There is no machine more powerful and perfect than God so believe that God’s grip is sturdy and his hands are open and what God does is perfect! No hesitation dear friend, just place yourself entirely in God’s care. And, as you do, you will find it is possible—yes—possible—to be anxious for nothing. AMEN!