Holding Space with Our Lord

Kristina Talbot reflects on holding space for more than our emotions and the goodness that comes with inviting the Lord into our experiences.

There’s a lot of talk these days about "holding space." My teenage daughter shared with me that everyone is holding space but she’s not certain what that even means. We explored the way popular culture has embraced this concept that comes from therapeutic undertones to give room for all the feelings and emotions we experience. It is good and beautiful to allow our hearts room to feel emotions and allow room to process emotions. But it can also be important to move through some of those difficult spaces rather than dwell within them. 

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly. (Colossians 3:16) 

We were made to dwell in the house of the Lord

There can be a fine line between holding space and dwelling within a space. The word dwell means to live in or to remain for a time. (Merriam-Webster) But we were not made to remain in a singular emotion or merely in our emotions however valid they may be at the time. We are made to dwell in the house of the Lord and remain with Him.  

One thing I ask of the Lord; this I seek: To dwell in the Lord’s house all the days of my life, To gaze on the Lord’s beauty, to visit his temple. (Psalm 27:4) 

The danger of losing our focus on the season

During the holiday season, there can be a lot of emotionally charged moments that occupy our space, and the time spent with loved ones. Whether it be grief or a strained relationship, this time of year often brings to the forefront that which has been pushed aside for the rest of the year. It is okay and acceptable that this is not the most wonderful time of year for everyone. Yet, when we focus solely on how we feel about our experiences, we can miss whom we are called to make room for during this beautiful season of Advent. 

“In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord! Make straight in the wasteland a highway for our God!” (Isaiah 40: 3) 

This season calls us to do more than hold space for our Lord. We are implored to make a way for Christ to dwell within our lives and hearts. The worthwhile attention and focus upon this preparation not only honors our emotions, but it also gives us someone to share our feelings with.  

The reality in salvation history

There is this astonishing reality that is emphasized throughout the narrative of salvation history which in a particular way this season, reminds us of a few things. Indeed, we are a people in need of a Savior. We are a people who were given the hope and promise of a Savior. Most amazingly, we are a people for whom a Savior has come and dwelt amongst us as both fully divine and fully human.  

For in him dwells the whole fullness of the deity bodily. (Colossians 2:9) 

Because of the wonder of Christ’s entrance into the world and the manner by which it is personified in artistic history, it can be easy to forget that God dwelt amongst us as one of us. Therefore, it is of great comfort that our Lord knows what it feels like in every space we can possibly hold. He experienced joy, sorrow, pain, suffering, sadness, love, hope, peace, betrayal, persecution, anger, gratitude, courage, tenderness, and connection among other feelings for sure. Thus, no matter what we are enduring during this time of year, the emotions that come along with those experiences are intimately familiar to our Lord.  

Hold space, and share it with the Lord

The number of things to do prior to celebrating Christmas is a list that at times feels insurmountable. I can easily forget to hold space for missing my mom who passed away or the space to feel disappointed that our household full of boys are still struggling to commune in peace. But more so, I forget to share my space with Our Lord and invite Him to accompany me in the difficult and triumphant moments.

When I slow down enough to reflect on how little room and space I am giving Him during this time set apart to prepare for Him, the imagery of the search for a place to welcome our Savior comes to mind. The Holy Family is knocking on the doors of our hearts. While there was no room at the inn, we can give pause and make room for Him and open the door so that He may be welcomed to dwell within us. Who better to share and hold space with?  

And she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. (Luke 2:7) 

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Copyright 2024 Kristina Talbot
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