The Discovery of a Lifetime
February 22, 2025 — Laura House
When our kids were toddlers, we were always on alert to take their hands to guide them in a potentially dangerous situation. If we were going down a staircase, crossing a road, walking through slippery snow, or in a public place with people where they could easily become separated, we tightly held their hands. So many times, those little hands tried hard to shake our grip and be free to run wherever they pleased, but we never let go until they were in a place of safety. Sometimes there was whining or indignance as they made the effort to disconnect the hold, but we knew what was best for them.
At age four or five, our children didn’t balk at holding a parent’s hand while crossing a road or encountering potential danger, but they welcomed it, often instinctively reaching out toward us. They knew that they were safe, and we were in control. We would protect them from whatever might lie ahead.
Holding hands also is a sign of affection. Looking at pictures of our children when they were in grade school, they often took each other’s hands as the camera aimed at them. As they grew older, the handholding turned into putting their arms around each other’s shoulders for the photo. Their love, loyalty, and admiration for each other was evident, and still is.
As I recall the nearly nine years since Nathan left us, (can it really be that long!), I can clearly see the history of God’s hand holding mine throughout this entire journey. I’ll admit that it wasn’t as evident at first. The dark glasses of grief obstructed my view of pretty much everything around me, tainting my view of how He was protecting me. But it didn’t take me long to recognize that I had no strength of my own — no answers, no understanding, no solution to anything. I was crossing a treacherous intersection with danger at every step and had no ability to navigate any of it alone. It was then that I made the discovery of a lifetime. The jackpot.
I was being held tightly in the grip of the One who created me and loves me the most.
It’s an astounding realization and one that I hope you will also discover, because the same applies for you. Whether you are clinging on for dear life, or too tired to hang on any longer, you are being held. You can grieve from a “place of rest” knowing that your Father is holding you, protecting you, and guiding you. You are safe in His hand.
There are so many promises in the Bible that give vivid illustrations of God holding us. I want to share just a few with you today. Consider writing them on sticky notes to post on your mirror, fasten to the cabinet door where you retrieve your coffee mug, add to your computer screen, and post one on your car’s dashboard. When grief overwhelms you and despair is threatening you, read them and remember the truth — you are being held.
Isaiah 41:13 — “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.”
Psalm 63:8 — “I cling to you; your right hand upholds me.”
Isaiah 46:4 — “Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.”
John 10:28 — “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.”
Psalm 139:10 “...even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.”
Psalm 73:23 — “Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand.”
John 14:27— Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Exodus 14:14 “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
Isaiah 41:10 “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.”
I Peter 5:7 “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
