Taking the hand of Jesus

 

 "Hands" is the theme for the lovelybranches.org blogs this month. Often I don't choose to follow the theme, but my first thought when I heard it was of a picture that I cherish. It was taken at Wyatt and Laurel's wedding and is a close-up of Ty's hand holding mine. When Ty and I were looking at the wedding pictures deciding which one to get...Ty definitely wanted this one. He said that if our Lord didn't heal him here and chose to take him home to heaven that I would especially be grateful for that picture. Well, he was right as he usually was. It is one of my most treasured possessions. I always loved his big, strong hands; hands that totally enveloped my smaller ones. I was comforted in uncertain or hard situations by just taking his hand and feeling that familiar squeeze, knowing without a word from him that he was there for me. As the years go by, and I continue to walk the road that Jesus has for me here, I am even more thankful for that precious picture because I never want to forget what his hand looked like and the comfort I always felt as I so often reached out for it. Amazingly, that picture brings much comfort each day as it is a reminder to me that although I no longer have Ty's hand to reach for that I do have the hand of my Savior to hold onto. Just as holding Ty's hand brought much comfort and assurance in years past; taking hold of the hand of Jesus and trusting Him does as well. 
   I encourage each of you today to choose to take hold of the hand of Jesus, to walk with Him, to share your heart with Him. He loves you so much and is holding out His hand to you just waiting for you to take it and trust and rest in Him. Allow Jesus to walk with you as well as lead and guide you today and everyday. 
   If you are blessed to have a spouse, then choose to take time to hold their hand while you enjoy reading together God's love letter (His Word) or take a walk, hand in hand, talking to our creator as you enjoy His beautiful creation. If you don't have time for either of those things, then your life is too busy. Treasure every moment; don't take each other for granted. None of us are guaranteed another day, another year.
   As I was finishing writing these thoughts, I was again amazed as my Lord led me to a devotional by David Jeremiah which expresses very well what Ty's hands and now what the hands of my Savior express to me.
   The verse from the devotional is from I Chronicles 28:20 and says: Be strong and of good courage, and do it; do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord God--my God--will be with you.
   Then from the devotional titled, Tucked In: When Corrie ten Boom was a little girl, her father used to tuck her into bed at night. He talked and prayed with her, then laid his big hand on her little face. Later, when Corrie was imprisoned in a brutal concentration camp, she would ask God to tuck her in and lay His hand on her face. "That would bring me peace, and I would be able to sleep." Corrie wrote in her book, Each New Day. 
   One of our Lord's names is Emmanuel, meaning "God with us." Our dads and moms (or our spouse) may no longer be around to tuck us into bed, but our Emmanuel never leaves us. Sometimes it helps to envision His presence beside us in the car, sitting by us in the pew at church, or leaning over us in bed as if to tuck us in. It's not a matter of visualizing an imaginary person but of recognizing a Friend's presence.
   Jesus said,"Lo, I am with you always." So be strong and of good courage, and do not fear or be dismayed, for the Lord God will be with you.
   As Corrie ten Boom prayed and you and I can pray too: Jesus, thank You that because of Your constant presence, I am never alone. Hold my hand tightly, Lord. Although afflictions may torment me, they can never defeat me.
   I'm trusting each of you into His loving hands. Hold on; hold tight!! May our Lord bless you richly with HOPE in His presence!
   Choosing to share the song: "You Never Let Go" by Matt Redman as a reminder that God is always with us. We do not need to fear because He will never let go of us--His beloved children!