Strong Hands Are Holding Yours

My dad spent his last couple of years in memory care while vascular dementia crawled deeper and deeper into his daily life.  Of all the sweet moments from that time, one of my favorites is this one as he held the hand of one of his grown grandsons.  His left hand could still hold a firm grip.  His right hand curled shut most of the time from a previous stroke.  But he touched my nephew’s hand with his closed fist in lieu of a clasp.  The lightest graze of his knuckles spoke volumes.  The many other times his hands had held, lifted, helped, corrected, and loved were all wrapped up in the history of a relationship.

Our heavenly Father’s hands are never weak.  His right hand is a symbol of power.  However, there are times when we feel like He may have loosened His grip on us.  Like we are falling, and afraid He’s not going to catch us.  When we are all alone, and worried He may not be there anymore either.  After we have asked and haven’t yet received.

But our relationship history with Him gives us reassurance that He is still there.  Our faith in Him gives us confidence that His strength has not waned.  His promises give us hope that we will feel His strong grasp again. 

Isaiah spoke these words to the people of Israel in Isaiah 41:  ‘You’re on my side.  I’ve picked you.  I haven’t dropped you.  Don’t panic.  I’m with you. There’s no need to fear for I’m your God.  I’ll give you strength.  I’ll help you.  I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.’  Isaiah 41:9-10 (MSG)

Hear Him speak these words to you as well.  His strong hands are still there holding onto yours.  So squeeze back and know He’s never letting go.