HE HOLDS OUR HAND

He Holds Our Hand

I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10

READ ISAIAH 41:8–13

The little girl who navigated the stairway one Sunday at church was cute, spunky, and independent. One by one the child—who appeared to be not much older than two years—took the steps down to the lower level. Descending the stairs was her mission and she accomplished it. I smiled to myself as I pondered the daring independence of this courageous toddler. The child wasn’t afraid because she knew her caring mother’s watchful eye was always on her and her loving hand was extended to help her. This aptly pictures the Lord’s readiness to help His children as they make their way through life with its varied uncertainties.

Today’s Scripture includes two “hand” references. After cautioning His ancient people not to fear or be dismayed, the Lord told them, “I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10). Many anxious and fearful children have been steadied by the strength of a parent. Here God’s power comes into view. In the second “hand” reference, once again it’s the Lord who acted to secure the safety of His own. “For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand” (v. 13). While life situations and times have changed, the Lord hasn’t. We need not despair (v. 10) because the Lord still assures us with the promise of His support and with the words we desperately need to hear: “Do not fear” (vv. 10, 13).

By Arthur Jackson

REFLECT & PRAY

With God’s hand holding my hand, I am safe!

Father, thank You for always watching over me.

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INSIGHT

God assures the Israelites they are “the apple of his eye” (Deuteronomy 32:10). Privileged to be “chosen . . . to be his people, his treasured possession” (7:6), He gave them the title of honor—“my servant”—just as He did their revered lawgiver, Moses (Malachi 4:4) and their beloved king, David (1 Chronicles 17:7). By physical offspring, they were the “descendants of Abraham my friend” (Isaiah 41:8). Abraham was one of only two people called God’s friend in the Old Testament; the other person is Moses, for God spoke to him “as one speaks to a friend” (Exodus 33:11). The patriarch Job wished he had an advocate and intercessor who would plead with God “as one pleads for a friend” (Job 16:21). Today we have such a Friend—our Lord Jesus (John 15:13-15). We have a “new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God” (Romans 5:11 nlt). K. T. Sim