Holding Your Hand

May 14, 2021 — Laura House

When our kids were preschoolers, Gary and I carefully held their hands when we were crossing a street, walking through a store, and in a host of other situations. I’m sure you can relate to the feeling of needing to hang on to your littles to protect and guide them.

Now, looking at the childhood pictures of my three children, I see that they were usually holding each other’s hands as well. As they grew older, the pictures changed to three teens and then adults, arms wrapped around the shoulders of the sibling next to them. Oh, the love they had and still have for each other.

Holding someone’s hand demonstrates not only affection but security and protection. When we took our children’s hands, they knew that they were safe.

While recently reading through the Book of Isaiah, I discovered something startling that had previously gone unnoticed to me. Take a moment to read the following passage. Isaiah 41:13 says, “For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” I think my focus was always on the final words of the verse which provide an incredible promise. But now, I imagine the Creator of all reaching down and taking my hand. Just as my children felt safety, love, and confidence when I held their hands, I know my Heavenly Father is holding mine.

When the storms of earthly life rage against me and you, and they will, let us keep our hands confidently placed in our Lord’s. We are safe; we are protected; we are His. “For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”