He Holds Our Hand

Our grandson, Julian, is progressing now  from crawling to be a toddler.  It is exciting for all of us as we watch him starting to walk.   While he still walks a few steps from parent to parent or couch to chair,  he still enjoys walking with someone holding his hand.

People hold hands for all sorts of reasons.  Let me share a few examples.    Worshippers hold hands in worship as a sign of unity and accord.   Couples hold hands as a way of affection for one another.  A newbie skater is glad to hold the hand of a veteran skater as they seek to maneuver around the skating rink knowing they need the help.    A few days ago, I held the hand of an elderly man who needed help getting up out of his chair.     From the cradle to the grave, people hold our hands and we hold the hands of people for all kinds of reasons.     I came across a passage about hand-holding in the Psalms the other day.   In Psalm 73, we read:

3 Yet I am always with you;
    you hold me by my right hand.
24 You guide me with your counsel,
    and afterward you will take me into glory.
25 Whom have I in heaven but you?
    And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
    but God is the strength of my heart
    and my portion forever.

How good it is to know that as we toddle along the road of life that God holds our hand.    His hand sometimes steadies us, often encourages us, and always guides and loves  us.     What a blessing it is also  to know that there are others along the way to hold our hand.  Thanks be to God.  Have a joy-filled week.-   Pastor Randy Wall

Prayer:   "Precious Lord, take my hand.  Lead me on help me stand.  I am tired, I am weak, I am worn.   Through the storm, through the night lead me on through the light.  Take my hand, precious Lord.  Lead me home."   Amen.