Holding God’s Hand

“He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler (small shield).” Psalms 91:4

When my son was small, I remember taking him to the store or for a walk, I would always tell him, “Hold Mommy’s hand tight.” I didn’t want him to get lost in the crowded store or be in danger when crossing the busy streets. He was too young to know those types of dangers. As he grew, he remembered those times and learned to be cautious when crossings streets or to be safe in crowded stores and in other possible dangers that he would incur.

We are God’s children and that is exactly what He says to us. Hold My hand, I want you to be safe, I know the dangers that lie ahead. When we were new Christians walking with Him, we did just that! We held His hand so tightly but, as we grew in Him, we began to loosen our grip on the Father’s hand, and sometimes wandered off. We thought we were old enough, mature enough and wise enough to let go and to “do it ourselves.”

Psalms 91:11 says, “For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.” Have you wandered off to walk your journey all by yourself? Have you decided that you are big enough, strong enough, and so wise now that you can do it all alone? Besides, God’s busy; He has plenty of others who really need Him; I’m ok now, I’ve got this!

But what I have learned (sometimes all too late) is that I am not strong, or cautious enough, or mature enough, or even wise enough. I still need God’s hand to hold, to guide me, to protect me, to instruct me in this journey I’m on called life. God never tells us, “Run along, you’re ok now, you can do it alone…” He wants us to hold tight to His hand. He wants us to allow Him to still guide and care for us through the dangers that are ahead. He is our protector, provider, teacher—and He loves us so very much, just like we love our children so much and only want the best for them. He is our everything. Never let Him go.

Proverbs 3:23-26 NKJV: “Then you will walk safely in your way, and your foot will not stumble. When you lie down, you will not be afraid; yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet. Do not be afraid of sudden terror, nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes; for the Lord will be your confidence, and will keep your foot from being caught.”

Father God, we do at times run too far ahead, think we can take care of all our needs, and know always what is best for us. Please show us that holding Your hand is the only way we can safely walk out this journey of life. Never let us go, Father. Amen!