Hand of Help

"For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you,

Do not fear; I will help you."  Isaiah 41:13  (NIV)

The other day while in the grocery store I saw a mom and a young child holding hands while walking down one of the aisles.  I looked at the little one's hand cuddled so safely in the mother's hand and it brought me back to memories of when my children, when they were young, would search for my hand to walk with.  Yes, I do cherish those days.

What led up to the mom and child holding hands was a short moment when the mother, looking up at the shelves for a special item, took her hand away from the child.  You could see the child look around, wondering where the safety net had disappeared to.  The smile on the child's face when the mother's hand reconnected with the child was truly precious.  The hand of help was there and you  could actually see the relief in the child's face.

It not only reminded me of times when my young children would hold my hand, but also the days when, as an adult, I needed to hold someone's hand.  Times were difficult.  There was much to be concerned about.  My chemo treatments, dad's failing health, and relationships that seemed to be breaking apart.  The nights were the worst.  It seemed like I could handle juggling all the balls during the day, but the nights . . .

The nights had my thoughts drifting to horrible scenarios.  I thought of all the "what ifs" of my life.  What if the chemo didn't work?  What if my dad didn't make it?  What if my relationships couldn't be repaired?  Those thoughts would drive many sleepless nights and many heart palpitations.  During the middle of the night there were no family/friends to call and nobody to reach out to.  Except . . .

Except for the one hand that is always reaching to hold my hand - to hold your hand.  Jesus was always there with a hand of help.  He was always there to listen to my heart, to hear my cry.  On the darkest of nights, Jesus was there.  I may never understand why all those things happened in my life - especially what seemed right on top of each other.  Yet, I do understand that I was never alone.  Jesus was there with his hand of help.  

Know that Jesus is there for you as well.  His hand extends to you in your deepest despair.  As you try to sleep at night, He is sitting at the bedside with you, holding your hand.  As you struggle through the day, He is holding your hand as you sit by a sick loved one or struggle through a work project.  As you question the "what ifs" of your own life, He is there for you - holding your hand and letting you know that He loves you.  Remember this as you go through your days.  Your hand of help is only one thought away - let Jesus hold your hand and bring you to safety.

Dearest Savior, thank you for extending your hand of help each and every moment of the day - and of the evening.  Let me be reminded that when times get tough, your hand will safely guide me to peace.  Let me be reminded that your hand is also available when the days of joy surround me.  May I also, Jesus, extend  my hand to help those in need.  In your name I pray, Amen.