In His Hands

 

[The Lord says] “Behold, all who are incensed against you shall be put to shame and confounded; those who strive against you shall be as nothing and shall perish. You shall seek those who contend with you, but you shall not find them; those who war against you shall be as nothing at all. For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.” (Isaiah 41:11-13 ESV).

 

I am always a bit surprised when we find ourselves anxious about the future. Our reading today is so clear in the declaration that we have nothing to fear because God holds us in His hand. Perhaps it is a result of the ever-present rebellion that we have toward anyone “holding” us. Our sin nature certainly rises up with an independent spirit when we perceive that we need anyone or anything to help us until we have reached a point where there are no other options. I know in my life that I have found it much easier to be at peace when I recognize I never need to do anything alone simply because my heavenly Father is holding my hand all the way.

 

Some of my favorite memories are from those times when I was walking with my boys holding their hand strolling along. I recall one experience long ago when Kyle was a young child walking with him in the mall while Mary went ahead to shop a bit. David and Aaron had not been born yet, so it was just the three of us. We were walking along and a lady walking behind us said, “I bet you wished you had a nickel for every question he asks you.” Well, it is true that he has always been a very curious person, seeking answers to any question that might pop into his mind, but this was a bit of a surprise that someone else would notice it! I turned and just smiled. Today I recall those times with all my children and grandchildren with great fondness. They represent my opportunity to protect and satisfy their needs. Isn’t that what a father/grandfather should do?

 

In the Bible God reveals himself as our Father. I am a child of God. Every believer is His child. God wants us to know him more personally, more intimately. The Bible is God’s long love letter that shares his heart for his children. Salvation in the Bible is so much more than just escaping the punishment for our sin. Salvation is adoption into a family, a homecoming to an extravagant celebration, an inheritance of all the riches of the Father’s lavish love. Rest easy as you face the future… you are in His hands!