Held by God in Our Littleness

Reflect

Nevertheless, I am continually with you;
you hold my right hand. (Ps 73:23)

Meditate

Saint Therese of Lisieux often returned to the simple truth that holiness is not found in extraordinary strength, but in allowing ourselves to be held by God in our littleness. Psalm 73:23 expresses this beautifully:

"Yet I am always with You;
You hold me by my right hand."

For Therese, the spiritual life was not a climb accomplished by human effort alone. She knew deeply her weakness, inconsistency, and inability to perfect herself. Yet this did not lead her to despair. Instead, it became the very place where she discovered the tenderness of God. Like a small child learning to walk, she believed the soul advances not because it never stumbles, but because the Father refuses to let go of its hand.

When the Psalmist says, "I am always with You," the wonder is not primarily that we cling to God, but that God remains near to us even when we are distracted, fearful, or spiritually poor. Therese would say that Jesus does not wait for us to become strong before loving us. He comes close precisely in our poverty. The "little way" is the way of trusting this nearness.

"You hold me by my right hand." A child walking beside a loving father does not anxiously measure the road ahead. She simply keeps close. Therese teaches us to stop exhausting ourselves with the illusion of self-sufficiency. God's grace is not merely assistance offered from afar; it is a sustaining presence. Even our desire for holiness is already His gift.

So when you feel weak, unstable, or unable to carry yourself spiritually, do not turn inward in discouragement. Place your small hand again into His. The saints were not those who never struggled, but those who allowed themselves to be continually carried by mercy.

Based on the writings of St Therese of Lisieux

Act

Try to practice intentional dependence on God in small moments throughout the day. When life threatens to overwhelm you,

1. Physically open your hand
2. Pray slowly - "Jesus, you are holding my right hand. I do not need to carry this alone."
3. Release and let go – of the situation/disappointment/struggle