God Who Takes Hold

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

They scampered through the hallways of the Butterfly Pavilion, holding hands like two teenagers in love. Instead, the couple was my elderly parents. I followed closely behind, and the sight still had the same effect on my heart that it had decades ago when, as a child, I observed Mom and Dad holding hands. It was all I could do to hold back tears of love. How can I describe it? It’s as if their coupled hands transmit warmth and security into my soul.

To have watched my parents holding hands through every life stage has been one of my greatest blessings. In a home with little physical affection or words of endearment, I was desperate for security and love. The vision of their hands holding still touches me to the core like little else.

A child of any age craves to feel safe in their parents’ love for each other. In my mind’s eye, viewing Mom and Dad clasp hands as they walked somewhere was a sacred experience. I needed to know my father cherished me and somehow their physical display helped. The love of a daddy for his daughter is a precious thing.

I knew nothing of the love of God as Father until I was an adult with children of my own. The God I’d feared from a distance, came near as I drew near to Him in childlike trust. Gradually, I let Him take my hand. Then I let Him cradle me in His lap. Finally, I received His words of love for me.

Yet I am always with You; You hold me by my right hand (Psalm 73:23).

To be held by my heavenly Father is to be fastened to, to be strengthened, and to be encouraged.

Heavenly Father, as I’m aware of You holding my hand, all fear melts away by the assurance of Your love and awesome strength.

Karen Sims