When I took golf lessons, I was told that mastering the golf grip is a vital part of the quality of a golfer's game. I came to realize that everything is connected. Without the proper grip, my ball would go in the wrong direction.

Watching the pros who had perfected the grip, I saw how they improved other areas of their game and became better players.

It's important to grip the club firmly and hold it with confidence. That helps your entire body to work toward producing a swing that will carry your ball both the correct distance and direction. Some players spend years trying to develop their swings and forget that a good way to improve their games is simply to work on their grip.

Recently, I received an e-mail from Pastor Darrell Allen signed, "In His Grip." The impact of those three little words was life-changing for me. I failed as a golfer because I never mastered the grip or the swing. And, I confess that I have failed God many times because I didn't spend time seriously working on my grip to his truths.

I realize now that I should consistently seek God and always envision myself "In His Grip"- and not just when I'm headed off in the wrong direction and dangling from a cliff. Everything in our Christian walk is connected. By taking hold of God's hand every morning, all areas of our life will improve - relationships, ministry, finances and health.

Sometimes we spend years trying to be in control and forget that all we have to do is simply reach out to God and take hold of his word, his love and his promises.

I'm going to work seriously on my grip. How about you?

Here's a promise you can grip hold of from Isaiah 41:13 (KJV), "For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, fear not, I will help thee."

Colleen Capes Jackson is the director of the East Metro Atlanta Christian Writers and can be reached at (404) 444-7514.