Holding Your Hand

June 28, 2025 — 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. If you have children, then you’ll relate to that feeling of needing to hang on to your littles to protect and guide them. Stealthily trying to break free from our hold, they sometimes tried to head off on their own, but our firm grip never wavered.

As I look through our family pictures now, I notice that our kids were usually holding each other’s hands as well. One of my favorite pictures is framed by the ocean, three gleeful cuties holding hands to pose in their favorite place on earth, the beach. 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 young children’s hands, they knew that they were safe. 

Since Nathan went to Heaven, everything I see and think about seems to translate to spiritual truths in my mind. My understanding of earthly life, Heaven, eternity, worship, and purpose has matured into a more accurate view, measured through the truth of scripture. I wish I had discovered these things earlier, but it seems that some of the most important truths we learn, while living our earthly lives, are only learned through suffering.

As I pondered the concept of God holding my hand, I turned to scripture to investigate the passages that demonstrate His protective and comforting grip on our lives — and there are so many! Clearly, we are being held.

The Psalms are full of this concept. 

“On my bed I remember you;  I think of you through the watches of the night. Because you are my help,  I sing in the shadow of your wings.I cling to you; your right hand upholds me.”— Psalm 63:6-8

“Even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.” — Psalm 139:10

“Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand.” — Psalm 73:23

“The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.” — Psalm 37:23-24

While recently reading through the Book of Isaiah, I discovered something that had previously gone unnoticed to me. Take a moment to read the following passage. 

Isaiah 41:10-13 says, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you;  I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish. Though you search for your enemies, you will not find them. Those who wage war against you will be as nothing at all. 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.”

Previously, my focus was always on the final words of verse thirteen, which provide an incredible promise. 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’m so thankful for that assurance.

But now, when I read this verse, the first part is what astounds me. ”For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand…”  In my mind, I can visualize the Creator of All, reaching down and taking my hand, and not letting go. Just as my children felt safety, love, and confidence when I held their hands, I know my Heavenly Father is holding mine. 

Unfortunately, the dark lenses of grief can sometimes color everything that we see — and we may not perceive the Lord’s hand safely gripping ours. If that is where you are today, remind yourself of the truth, over and over. He loves you. He is holding you. He will not leave you. As grief becomes softer, those dark lenses will eventually fade and you will be able to see that He had you all along. What a joyous day that will be for you when you recognize His unwavering love and faithfulness that held you through these sorrowful days!

When the storms of this earthly life continue to rage against us, and they will, let us keep our hands confidently placed in our Lord’s. We are safe. We are protected. We are His. 

Download these scripture cards to help you remember a few of the many promises that God has given you. 

Laura House

Laura House is the co-founder of the Our Hearts Are Home ministry, and Nathan’s mom.

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