HOLD YOU

For I hold you by your right hand – I, the LORD your God. And I say to you, “Don’t be afraid, I m here to help you.” Isaiah 41:13

For some reason, whenever I picture myself with God, it’s always as a little girl with very short bangs, pig tails and a brown face covered in a smile. And I am usually about 5 years old.

I didn’t come to faith until I was 17 so this picture seems odd to me, but I’ll take it. Child-like faith I guess.

So, when I think of God holding my hand, I picture His strong hand holding mine. Like a parent with a little child. There is such love and assurance in this hold. A playful time, arms swinging, laughter, joy, understanding.

Yes, there are times when the hand-holding can be forced – such as when I want to go one way, but God is leading me another. He will never force me to do anything against my will because He is a gentle Shepherd. But He is firm in His hold. Rather He is giving me the opportunity to chose to submit and obey, than going my way which will lead to consequences.

God is here to help me and it really is my choice to accept the help. And if we read Isaiah correctly, I do not need to fear.

Here is the main point. What drives us to distraction? What motivates so much of our lives? It’s fear. Fear of missing out, being misunderstood, losing, being abandoned. With God holding our hand, these fears are a mute point.

We are with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. We are with the Creator God, the Almighty Father, the Prince of Peace. Nothing can separate us from His love (Romans 8:38). No wedge can be driven between my God and me.

Let me say that again – no wedge can be driven between my God and me.

Nothing. My spot next to God is just that. Next to God. Near my Saviour. No distance. If there is any distance it is because I have walked away. Not good and always leading to disaster. It would be the same as if I let go of His hand.

Why do I chose to do this?

Myriad of reasons. And none would hold up in court, hold water, stand on its own.

And yet I chose this at times.

Silly little girl.

My comfort is knowing that I can come running at full speed back to my Father who is where I left Him. He is waiting for me to return, waiting for me to ‘fess up and waiting for me to slip my hand back into His.

Ahh. Much better.

In reading this promise I see a very important statement – I AM. Think Moses and the burning bush. Think Jesus on the water in the raging storm.

This same I AM is right here with us. Wow. Let that sink in a moment. This same God who basically held Moses’ hand while he led the squirrely and oft rebellious Israelites. This same LORD who walked on water beside the petrified disciples and calmed the storm and got into the boat with them. This same Redeemer who choses to be with us.

Yes, this same I AM is in our corner, holding us. What do we have to fear?

A desert? Wilderness? Our own stubborn hearts? Or how about the storm raging around us? Or the water that is splashing into our boat?

We have nothing to fear. Our God is with us. He is holding our hand – and at times He is holding us. We are in His arms, on His shoulders, near His heart.

Oh it is indeed a good place to be.

LORD, what an incredible God You are. Thank You that I need not fear nor stumble. Encourage me Lord all the day long to hold Your hand and not let go. Thank You that You never let me go. I have nothing to fear because You are with me. And it is good. AMEN