Holding hands is an interesting phenomenon. It can be a comfort or a show of affection or a protective act or even used for control, depending on who is holding whose hand. And it’s an intimate gesture. As adults, it is reserved for lovers, at least in the United States. In other parts of the world it can just be a simple affection that two good friends enjoy. If a parent is holding the hand of a child, this can be for comfort, protection, and control all at once. For example, as a mother and young daughter approach a busy intersection, the daughter may grab the mom’s hand for comfort. The mom may grab the daughter’s hand for protection and control since she knows the girl doesn’t know the rules of when to cross and where to look. And even if she did, she isn’t savvy enough to be aware that sometimes people speed through red lights.
In today’s verse God’s hand is providing all those good things.
He is showing me that He loves me. God knows me and pays attention to me and cares about my circumstances. He doesn’t want me to be afraid to step confidently into His purpose for me. So He reaches down to hold my hand.
He is comforting me. Knowing God is holding my hand means I know He is right here beside me. He is not far away. He is so very close. I can grab His hand at any time.
He is protecting me. By either holding me back or pulling me forward, God keeps me safe. God knows where all the danger is. If I keep holding His hand, He will lead me to places He knows are good. And He will stop me from strolling into the wrong place at the wrong time.
He is controlling me. Controlling isn’t really the right word because it has all’s sorts of negative connotations. But did you notice that God is holding my right hand? There are some cultural ideas about that, but to me, as a right-handed person, this is a sign that He wants to keep me from reaching for the wrong things. My ability to do anything is hindered by my right hand being held. Why? Is God a controlling tyrant? No, but He does want me to let Him be in charge. And Him being in charge is a good thing!
But God does not force me to hold His hand. Even though He is all-powerful, I can let go at any time. I can say, no, I want to go this way, and He will allow it even though it hurts Him see me get hurt. Every day… every moment, I need to choose to reach out for God’s hand. Thank God it’s always there.
Dear God,
What a wonderful gift you have given me – to be able to hold your hand. That you want to hold my hand is amazing to me. I say yes, please hold my hand today. I need your love, your comfort, your protection, and your guidance. Make me aware of your hand and of when my grip is failing.
CamDevo 