Held in the Hand of God

     For some reason, I am drawn to scriptures about God's hands and arms. The idea of God holding my hand is almost too much for me to imagine. So intimate, yet so sweet, to know that God holds me in His hands, is more precious than words can describe. David had a similar thought, while wandering the wilderness, "My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me" (Psalm 63:8 ESV). 

    For the Israelites, God's hand and arm brought freedom from slavery, "Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the LORD your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm" (Deuteronomy 5:15). He also reminded Israel that He had no intention of forgetting about her, "See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me" (Isaiah 49:16). One doesn't engrave a name on his hand unless he means to remember it!

    That takes us to the hands of Jesus. He has scars engraved in His hands for us as well, to remind us that He loves us to death and back. His hands were pierced for our sins, and He speaks to John in Revelations 1:17-18, "When I [John] saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, 'Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.'" What a gentle picture of a Savior who loves His servant and friend, John, not wanting him to be afraid, so He "laid his right hand on [John]." 

    When times get to be more than I can handle by myself, I try to remember to cling to God, reach out my hand to him, and ask Him to take my hand in His and to fold His arms around me. He is all-powerful, yet He knows my weakness and frailty and will adjust His touch to me as He is my creator and friend. He doesn't want me to fear Him, but rather to cling to Him as in a trusting relationship. 

    If you are old enough, you'll remember the poster of a kitten hanging from a branch and the title noted, "Hang in there, baby!" (I had that poster in my room as a teenager). The best thing about being a Christian, a believer in Jesus Christ, is that we don't have to "hang in there" by ourselves, we have a Savior and Lord who will uphold us in His mighty hand. We are never alone, His "outstretched arm" is always there waiting for us to call to Him, so He can catch us when we feel like we are falling. 

Psalm 16:11 You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.