November 29, 2007 - Acts 3:11

“While the man held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon’s Colonnade.” Acts 3:11.
The once-crippled-now-healed man was not used to so much excitement, especially focused on him. His healing had created quite a stir in the Temple, and many people, in their astonishment, rushed to see what all the excitement was about. Not knowing what else to do and with no where else to turn, this man clung to Peter and John. Where else was he going to cling? In clinging to Peter and John, this man was clinging to God, who was the source of his healing.
When are some of the times that people cling to God? When we are desperate and do not know what else to do? When we are at the end of our rope? I know for me, these times are usually when I run out of answers in my own thinking, or I loose my ability to ‘do life’ on my own or on my own terms. I usually cling to God during those times of deeper need, when I have run dry on ideas and strength to get through. I do wish, though, that I would be more conscious of clinging to God as part of my daily routine. For example, as a man, I used to find it difficult to “just” sit and pray, for I thought that it was a waste of my time. I thought that I could be doing something while I am praying, and I struggled with seeing that praying was the most useful use of my time. It is a significant way to connect in intimate communication with my Father.
Or I would notice how I would depend on people or a few relationships to fulfill that which only God could fulfill. This was difficult to notice and then to accept about myself, but when I do see it, it is freeing to walk in it.
How about you? When are those times that you ‘cling’ to God? Who or what do you cling to other than God? What would it take to be free of the crippling affect that this has on our lives?
Prayer: Lord, please give me the eyes to see those things that I cling to that replace my need to cling to You, and please give me the strength and courage to take the steps to be free of their crippling affects on my life, so that I would be free to cling to You in my daily routine. Amen.