I love it when I read the Word of God and one little word comes alive with such depth and meaning it almost takes my breath away. Today, that one little word was the word “holds” found in Psalm 63:8.

I cling to you; your strong right hand holds me securely. (Psalm 63:8, NLT)

He holds me. The Creator of the Universe holds me securely in His hand.

As I was thinking about this, the phrase “to have and to hold” came up in my heart. It reminded me of some things I had heard concerning ancient Jewish betrothal customs. Here are just a couple.

The cup – “…the young man would pour a glass of wine for the young woman. If the young woman drank the wine, it would indicate her acceptance of the proposal.”

The preparing of a place – “During the betrothal period, the bridegroom would prepare a wedding chamber for the honeymoon. This chamber was typically built in the bridegroom’s father’s house.” (quoted info from http://www.iclnet.org)

This of course brings a few other scriptures to mind.

And He took a cup, and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, Drink of it, all of you; For this is My blood of the new covenant… (Matthew 26:27, NKJV)

There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. (John 14:2-3, NLV)

For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. (Ephesians 5:31-32, KJV)

The price of His blood was paid so that He could have me. And now that I am His, He is holding me. Selah.