Hold My Hand
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.
Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you.
I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
For I hold you by your right hand—
I, the Lord your God.
And I say to you,
‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.’
Isaiah 41:10, 13 NLT
Imagine a warm, tight hug from someone—a family member, friend, someone who makes you feel safe. Even the simple act of holding their hand can bring comfort and peace. Just thinking about it warms your heart and soul, doesn’t it?
Being held brings peace, love, and confidence to us that is unexplainable. Have you ever thought about being held in the same manner by our Abba Father? He desires the same intimate relationship with His children. As I look back over seasons of my life, I see how God has held me in His holy mystery—both when I sought Him and when I didn’t.
I recall a time a few years ago when I dealt with anxiety. I have been in youth ministry for many years and walked alongside students dealing with anxiety. I could listen, pray for, and walk through it with them, but didn’t fully understand until I experienced it myself. Anxiety is no joke! It’s quite debilitating. I spoke to my pastors, and one of them told me that our minds can’t focus on fear and faith at the same time. I struggled with that because, despite having deep faith, I was still battling anxiety. As I sat in prayer and in God’s Word, I realized he was right. So, I put into practice some tools to help replace my anxiety with truth when I was struggling. One of the things I did was write Scripture on notecards and carry them with me.
Isaiah 41:10 and 13 were two verses that were helpful and impactful to me. They remind me of how God is always right there—just as He was for the Israelites. The same traits that God demonstrated to the Israelites echo in my life today. He reminds me not to be afraid or anxious because He is with me. He reminds me not to be discouraged because He will strengthen me, help me, and hold me up. He holds my hand and is here to help! Ahhhhhh…let that sink in for a moment. When we stop trying to “do life” on our own and choose to sit in His presence, pray, read His Word, and listen for His voice, a profound truth unfolds: He is faithful. He meets us in our weaknesses and holds us up. The God who created the universe cares for us with an intimate and relentless love. He is not distant or impersonal; He longs for a real, personal relationship with each of us. In that relationship, we find courage, steadiness, and peace.
Our youngest son recently sent our family SnapChat a video of him going up steps with our one-year-old granddaughter. Partway up, she stops and says, “Hold my hand.” Uncle Cory takes her hand, and they proceed up the steps. It melted my Momma and Mammaw heart. It also reminded me of our loving God who is right there waiting for us to stop and say, “Hold my hand.”
Questions For Reflection:
Use these prayer prompts as you process God’s desire to help you and hold your hand as you face difficulties.
God, thank You for being a personal and intimate God who holds us close. (Thank Him for His faithfulness in your life).
God, help me rely on You instead of my own strength, especially when it comes to (Name your struggles). Help me trust You and not fear.
Lord, I pray for (Who has God laid on your heart?). Give them peace and courage and remind them that You hold them with Your strong hand. Help me be an encouragement to them.