My phone whistles at me, indicating another new text message. I glance at it and read another no. No, it doesn’t work tonight. I drop my head slightly and hear the subtle, mocking voice – “you should just throw your hands up and quit.” Tempted to agree, I pause on the image that comes to mind as I consider throwing my hands into the air.

Immediately I see my granddaughters. Their sweet faces fill my mind as I recall each of them coming to me with arms thrown in the air saying, “Up!” or “Hold me!” I eagerly reach down and lift them to my chest, arms holding them tight, words of love pouring out of my mouth and over their sweet ears.

I decide right then I will throw my hands into the air. Into the air, reaching to the One who holds me tight. Into the arms that protect me, shelter me and keep me warm. I listen carefully for His words to flood my ears and chase away the doubts. He does not disappoint.

I reached for my Bible and read portions of Psalm 91.

¹Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. ²This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him.

Psalm 91:1-2

From there, I turned to Psalm 18. I found comfort in these words:

¹⁹He led me to a place of safety; he rescued me because he delights in me. . . ²⁸You light a lamp for me. The Lord, my God, lights up my darkness. ²⁹In your strength I can crush an army; with my God I can scale any wall.

Psalm 18:19, 28-29

Finally, I landed in Psalm 142 and took comfort in these words:

¹I cry out to the Lord; I plead for the Lord’s mercy. ²I pour out my complaints before him and tell him all my troubles. ³When I am overwhelmed, you alone know the way I should turn.

Psalm 142:1-3

Perhaps you, too, are considering throwing your hands in the air. Go ahead! I recommend it, especially if it is a signal to the Father that you need his care and protection, his arms to comfort and calm you. Listen carefully for his words of hope and consolation, the wisdom you need to take the next steps, to do the next right thing!