Casandra Martin

“…but they did not find anything they could do, for all the people were hanging on his words.” – Luke 19:48

I love this picture of the hearts of the people surrounding Jesus. The chief priests and Jewish leaders are looking for a way to destroy Him, but the people are hanging on his words with such tenacity that they can’t touch Him for fear of causing a riot. God works in His timing to protect Jesus until the fullness of time. In the meantime, we are left with a snapshot that pulls at my soul.

The people were hanging on his words. I want to do that. I want to learn how to have a heart that clings to Him, holds on for dear life, that never lets go.

Some days I am at the end of my rope. Hanging on is a matter of survival. I can’t make it through the next hour, much less the next day, without the perspective and power that flows from His words.

Some days I lose my way. Confusion, shame, and circumstances all conspire to throw me off course. Hanging on is the only way to regain my footing. His words provide a compass for my heart that directs me back into His presence.

Some days my heart aches for home. The evil that fills this world slashes at my peace. Sorrow, grief, and worry pull my soul in a downward spiral of despair. Hanging on to His words is the only way to hang on to hope.

My Jesus Resolution today is to hang on to His words. I want to slow down and let them infuse deeply into my soul. I want their sweetness to nourish my weary spirit. I long for their power to unleash courage and strength deep within me. I want to look to His words for guidance, delight in their wisdom, let them fuel my anticipation of heaven, and reach deep inside me and ignite transformation. I want to hang on to His words because I want to hang on to Jesus.