As we exited the car, I told my granddaughter to take my hand.
“Why?” she asked as usual.
“I want to keep you safe.” I replied.
“Oh, okay.” She reluctantly obeyed.
It was not easy for this four-year-old bundle of energy to surrender her desire to dash across the lot to our destination. As we walked 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 potentially puts a smile in your heart and boosts your energy.
The second we reached the entrance of the store, she took her hand from mine so she could run ahead and grab a basket. She did not have a care in the world. She did not understand what I meant when I said I wanted to keep her safe. For her, holding my hand and walking beside me through the parking lot was an annoyance she endured.
I had been going through 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 “So He took the blind man by the hand and led him out of town.”
Much 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 him where to go. Instead, he walked beside him, loving him and offering him security and comfort as he was led into the unknown.
Then He healed him.
“And when He had spit on his eyes and put His hands on him, He asked him if he saw anything. And he looked up and said, “I see men like trees, walking.” Then He put His hands on his eyes again and made him look up. And he was restored and saw everyone clearly.” Mark 8:23-26.
This man asked for help and then trusted the Lord, so his sight was restored to perfection.
God is clear that we are not to fear, but to trust that He will help us.
In Isaiah 41, verses 10 and 13, the people are twice commanded not to fear. They are also commanded not to become dismayed because God would hold their right hand and uphold them with His right hand. And in both these verses He promises, “I will help you.”
Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, Saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’ Isaiah 41:13
When we do not know the Lord and are not studying His word we do not know that we have nothing to fear because He is always with us.
I was blessed during a very dark and scary time to find Isaiah 41:10. Our Lord is the only one who can be with us at all times. He commands us not to fear the things of this world, but to fear him. That is to know Him and His word, to accept his son, Jesus, as our Savior, repent and become a new creation. He tells us in 1 Peter to cast all our cares upon Him, for He cares for us. When we do this He will keep His promises of strength, help, protection, and a hand to hold at all times.
Lord, thank you for loving us so much that you would hold us up and hold our hands as we travel the unsafe and unsteady roads of this life. May we never forget that you keep your promises and will provide us Your help, strength and peace in all situations. That You are sovereign and no matter what trials we encounter they are for our good and You are always by our side as we turn from fear to total trust in you. All Glory and Honor to you Abba. Amen.
~Janice Simpson