Fear not for I am with you: Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Behold all those who were incensed against you shall be ashamed and disgraced; they shall be as nothing, and those who strive against you shall perish. You shall seek them and not find them-those who contended with you. Those who war against you shall be as nothing, as a nonexistent thing. For I, the LORD your God will hold your right hand, saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’     Isaiah 41:10-13 NKJV

Holding hands is something we do to show affection. It’s something we do to keep children safe. In order to hold someone’s hand you have to be close to them. You can’t hold someone’s hand from across the room, or across the street, or across town.

I have been in some situations in the last few years where I am happy to say, I was upheld by God’s righteous right hand. I can feel His presence in my life. When I pray for things and He doesn’t answer in the way I had hoped, I can rely on the fact that He is a good Father. He knows my future and He does what is best for me. I trust in Him.

There was a time in my life when things would go horribly wrong, and I would run to Him. I would even wonder why He had allowed these things to happen. Looking back, I realize I had to run to Him because I had strayed so far away. I was doing things my way hoping He would bless my way. I failed to acknowledge Him in the things I was doing because I knew He wouldn’t approve. I knew He wouldn’t give me a pass on my sinful behavior. There were times I tried to convince myself that He would, but deep down I knew I was wrong.

I knew my sin built a barrier between me and Him. We are told in Isaiah 59:1-2, “Behold the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; nor his ear heavy that it cannot hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you.”

Looking back, I realize that God had not separated Himself from me. I had simply chosen to stray from him and cling to my sin.

As a child, I held my father’s hand, and I felt safe. I knew he loved me and wanted what was best for me. Even though my earthly father has gone on to be with the Lord, my heavenly Father is right here with me. His righteous hand is right there for me to hold.

I don’t know about you, but I need His strength. I need his love and protection. At times when the enemy seems to be closing in on me, I can feel Him right there with me. I can hold onto His hand and know He’s got me. I know longer have to run to Him and seek Him. I have found Him, and I have no intention of straying from Him again. I have rededicated my life to Him. I love Him and I do my best to do the work He calls me to do. And I know even the bad things in my life, He works for my good (Romans 8:28).

Are you close enough to hold His hand? His hand is not too short. He will reach out to you if you will call on Him. But in order to hold his hand you have to let go of your sin. You have to let go of anger, bitterness, unforgiveness,, and pride. Let go of anything that prevents you from holding His hand. Reach out to Him and He will hold you up. He will strengthen you and protect you.

We are told in John 10:28 that Jesus gives His sheep eternal life, and no one can snatch them out of His hand or out of the Father’s hand. Put your life in His hands. Hold His hand. He’s got you.

Have a great day!