God's hand...

by Elizabeth Stewart

Our six year old granddaughter was holding onto Papa's hand while we walked through the chaotic Costco parking lot. I reached for the hand of her nine year old sister, but she pulled away. I suppose she thought she was too old and maybe just a little bit too cool to be holding Nana's hand. Much to her chagrin, I made her hold my hand anyway.

I'm a big holding hands proponent. In our busy city, I see parents letting their children race in front of them through a crosswalk or crowded parking lot. I think of how important the protective touch of a parent's hand can be to grab their child out of the way of an oncoming car or one that is backing up without noticing that there's a little one nearby. However, children can pull against that kind of control. They resist the restraint.

This morning I took a few moments to look up in the Psalms a few scriptures about the importance of God's hand in our lives.

For help and protection-
You have seen it; yes, You note trouble and grief (vexation) to requite it with Your hand. The unfortunate commits himself to You; You are the helper of the fatherless. Psalm 10:14

Show Your marvelous loving-kindness, O You Who save by Your right hand those who trust and take refuge in You from those who rise up against them. Psalm 17:17

My times are in Your hands; deliver me from the hands of my foes and those who pursue me and persecute me. Psalm 31:15

That Your beloved [followers] may be delivered, save with Your right hand and answer us! [or me]! Psalm 108:6

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch forth Your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and Your right hand will save me. Psalm 138:7

For guidance-
You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy, at Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11

Even there shall Your hand lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me. Psalm 139:10

For support-
My whole being follows hard after You and clings closely to You; Your right hand upholds me. Psalm 63:8

For provision-
When You give it to them, they gather it up; You open Yourhand, and they are filled with good things. Psalm 104:28

How often do I reach out for God's hand when I need or want something, yet, like a willful child, resist the restraint of His hand when I want to go my own way or do my own thing? God, help me, help us, to cling tightly to Your mighty hand at all times!

still following,

www.justfollowingjesus.com