Held by the Hands of Peace: A Reflection on Staying Close to the Creator

Held by the Hands of Peace: A Reflection on Staying Close to the Creator

By Kateb Nuri-Alim Shunnar

Staying connected to the Creator has become the steady anchor of my life, a source of peace and strength that runs deeper than anything else. In a world that often feels unpredictable and overwhelming, there is a grounding comfort in knowing that I am held by a presence far greater than myself. Each moment I open myself to His guidance, I feel the pieces of me falling into place, feeling more whole and complete. I used to believe I needed so much to feel fulfilled, but in His presence, I am reminded that everything essential is already within me, placed there by His loving hands. This realization brings a gentle assurance, a trust that even if I stray, He is always calling me back to a place of peace.

The Creator leads me to places of rest, almost as if He's woven soft pockets of calm into the fabric of my day. Sometimes, these moments come while I'm in nature standing under a wide, open sky, beside a river flowing with quiet wisdom, or sitting in the shade of a tree, listening to the rustling of leaves that seem to carry away my worries. Other times, these moments are found in the silent pauses of ordinary life, when His presence feels as close as my own breath. In these spaces, I remember how extraordinary it is to be so deeply cared for by the Creator, who desires for me to experience peace even amidst life’s constant motion. These moments are when I feel most held, most loved.

When I am worn thin, when my heart feels as though it is carrying more than it was ever meant to hold, He meets me in that emptiness like a gentle rain, washing over my spirit and renewing my soul. He whispers, "Come and rest," and in that invitation, there is no demand, no expectation that I prove myself worthy. The Creator simply asks me to be still, to breathe, and to allow Him to fill me again. In this quiet restoration, I find a strength that is not my own, but something gifted a reminder that true resilience comes not from within, but from this constant source of love. This is why I feel safe, why I am rooted, knowing that no matter where I wander, I am never truly alone.

There are times when life feels as if it is spinning out of my control, when I feel the ground shifting beneath my feet. In these moments of uncertainty, I find myself leaning into gratitude, that deep sense of thankfulness for His presence, knowing He’s there. When storms rise, and waves obscure the horizon, I trust in the Creator's steady hand. He doesn’t always calm the storm, but He holds me close through it, protecting me as I ride its currents. In His care, I am reminded that I do not face life’s hardships alone, and that my strength lies not in withstanding these trials on my own, but in surrendering to His unfailing support.

His presence is a guiding light, illuminating my path even in the darkest hours. I am not drifting aimlessly, for I am held by a Creator who knows my heart, who sees every struggle, every tear, every joy, and uses them all to shape me, bringing me closer to Him. Each time I falter, He lifts me up, gently reminding me of my worth and His unwavering love. There are no words that can capture the depth of my gratitude for this love, this divine protection that wraps around me like a shield, guarding me from despair and filling me with hope.

Reflecting on this love, I am struck by the completeness of it how each step of my journey has meaning, even the steps that feel painful or uncertain. The Creator doesn’t waste any part of our lives; every experience, every challenge is seen, is held, is used to bring us closer to Him. The hardest days are no longer unbearable, for I know that I do not face them alone. I walk hand in hand with the One who knows my journey from beginning to end, the One who has promised to be my strength when I have none left.

Staying close to the Creator doesn’t mean a life free from hardship, but it does mean I am given something far greater: His presence and His unending love. There is no burden too heavy for Him to help me carry, no storm too fierce for Him to calm within me. And as I move forward, strengthened by His guidance, I understand that peace isn’t the absence of difficulty but the presence of the Creator who sustains me through it all.

This reflection is an invitation, a reminder, that staying close to the Creator transforms us. We are uplifted, protected, renewed. Every day, we are called to walk deeper in His love, to let His peace guide our steps. Life’s storms may come and go, but in His embrace, we discover who we truly are loved, held, and never alone. May we carry this truth within us, grounding our hearts, steadying our spirits, and bringing us back, time and again, to a place of true rest and belonging.