“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.’” (Isaiah 41:13 NIV)
When my son was a child, he didn’t mind holding my hand on the way into the store. But when I turned toward the groceries, and he turned toward the toys, the hand holding became restrictive instead of comforting.
How often do we feel the same when God holds our hand? His connection and care feel safe and reassuring when we think He’s leading us where we want to go. But when He takes us in a different direction, we hesitate, we balk, we pull away. We insist on continuing in the direction we were headed. Sometimes, we argue and remind Him of His promises, as if He tricked us into going with Him in the first place.
He stands there, like the patient Father He is, waiting for us to choose. Will we trust Him, take His hand and follow Him? Will we conquer our fear of the unknown, set aside our disappointment, and believe He has only good in store for us? Or will we head off on our own, away from His side, away from His protection, and away from His provision? Are we that determined to get what we want? Will our impatience win the day?
His word to us today is the same as it was to the ancient Judeans, “Don’t be afraid. I will help you.” He will help us overcome our disappointment. He will even help us break free from our stubborn independence. And He will most certainly help us exchange our fear of the future with eager anticipation for each new day. Just let Him hold your hand.
Prayer: Father God, thank you for taking hold of my hand. You are my help and the conqueror of my fears.
~ Peggy Lundy
Photo courtesy of Marilyn Comer.
