“Why?” she insisted, not wanting to do as I required.
“So I can keep you safe,” I replied
“Oh, okay.” She sulked, but obeyed.
As we exited the car, she let me take her hand and walked beside me even though it was not her desire!
It was not easy for this four-year-old bundle of energy to surrender her plan to dash across the parking lot to our destination. As we ambled along, I marveled at how pleasant and peaceful it is to hold the hand of a loved one. An action often taken for granted, holding someone’s hand can bring such joy.
The second we reached the store’s entrance, she pulled her hand from mine, running ahead to grab a basket. She did not have a care in the world. She would rather run and play than think about being safe. For her, holding my hand and walking beside me through the parking lot had been an annoyance she endured. Now that her duty was done, and without consideration of further need to stay with me, she reclaimed her freedom and took off for an adventure, causing me to race after and rein her in.
I had been doing this exercise with Alana every week for about two years. On this occasion, the act of holding her hand reminded me of Mark 8:23. When the blind man was presented to Jesus for healing. He took the man by the hand and led him out of town.
Like my granddaughter, this man needed guidance and protection to ensure he ended up where Jesus wanted Him. Jesus could have directed the people who brought the man to Him where to go. Instead, He lovingly walked with him, holding his hand and offering security and comfort, as he was led into the unknown.
Then He healed him.
Alana was not blind, but unaware of her surroundings. She needed guidance and direction to stay safe, just like the blind man.
My Granddaughter is now seven. She holds my hand constantly. She reaches for it when we get out of the car everywhere except at home. When I walk her to school and sometimes when she is falling asleep, I find that precious little hand tugging on my arm as her way of telling me she wants me to hold it. She finds comfort in my protection, especially in the dark. But, praise the Lord, she is also learning God is her ultimate protector and comforter. I will not always be with her, but as long as she holds onto the hand of the Lord, He will be her everything.
Alana has learned to trust me and now is learning about trusting the Lord. We all need to learn that Jesus is always with us and as close as a thought away. As the scriptures say, in Isaiah, 41 verses 10 and 13, we are not to fear or be dismayed because God will hold our right hand and uphold us with His right hand. In verse 10, he also declares he will strengthen us. And in both these verses, He promises to help us.
Alana’s trust did not come over night. Our trust of the Lord may not come that quickly either. One sure thing is when we develop a relationship with our Creator and Savior it strengthens our faith.
I was blessed during a very dark and scary time to find Isaiah 41:10 and 13. I held onto these verses as one thrown overboard from a ship holds onto a life preserver. Now I am teaching them to my sweet girl so she may hide them in her heart and they will be a source of comfort whenever she needs it.
Psalms 73:23 NKJV Nevertheless I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand.
God wants to hold our hands. He wants us to know He is always with us and bigger than anything that comes our way.
God, you are our ultimate protector and guide. May we never forget your Word which spells that out for us. Glory be to you for providing us with everything we need ALL the time, especially a hand to hold us up.
God Bless!
Janice S.