Why does God want to hold my hand? One reason is that I need him so. God knows we need his hand of direction, guidance, and discipline. The independent spirit so common in our world forgets how weak and fragile and ignorant and foolish we really are. Like a wise parent, the perfect Father says, “Here child, hold my hand as we cross the street.” We need him more than we can even fathom… and his outstretched hand is our greatest blessing.
Perhaps another reason for hand-holding is the relationship God longs for us to have… a relationship defined by the deepest love. Susan and I are remembering what it is like to have a six-year-old in the house these days. John Turner’s mom, Terri, lives a distance away, so she lets John stay with us on school nights. It is not uncommon for him to slip his hand into mine while in the house or in the neighborhood. The unspoken message is: “I love you.”
Does the Heavenly Father feel joy when his children do the same? John sometimes prays like this: “God, I hope you’re having a good day.” I smile when I hear this little one saying “thank you” in an honest way. When we as children realize the great love we have received, we will also give sincere thanks. “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called the children of God. And that is what we are!”
The Father loves to tenderly hold the hand of one He created and rescued. He loves to have fellowship with his children… “beside still waters” and “through the valley of the shadow of death.” When we sin we run away from this fellowship. Adam and Eve hid from God after they disobeyed. It is impossible to hold God’s hand when we independently choose our own path. But the Father is always there. He knows how to discipline and restore; he is full of mercy and grace and wisdom. If we listen carefully, we may hear him whisper, “I want to hold your hand.”
“O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceived my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord. You hem me in – behind and before; you have laid your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.” Psalm 139:1-10
(Our youngest daughter Karlyn and I leave for Ecuador Saturday with a mission group from school, so I won’t be able to write next week. We appreciate your prayers! May God’s hand guide us all!!)