God's Loving Hands

O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit or stand. When far away you know my every thought. You chart the path ahead of me, and tell me where to stop and rest. Every moment, you know where I am. You know what I am going to say before I even say it. You both precede and follow me, and place your hand of blessing on my head. Psalm 139:1-5 (TLB)

When Brenda Brooks, from Virginia, was suffering from endometriosis, she would have intense episodes of pain. The only way she could get any relief was to lie flat on her stomach. Praying for help when a wave of severe pain would hit, Brenda would make a fist, squeeze it tight, and imagine that Jesus' hand was holding hers. Before long Brenda would doze off, and, on waking, the pain would be gone.

The Bible has a lot to say about the power of being held by God's hands. In Psalm 139, David praises God's constant presence: "If I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast" (vs 9-10). The people of Israel were comforted when God told them not to fear and promised, "I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" (Isa. 41:10). In Acts 2:25, Peter recalls that David said God was always with him: "Because [God] is at my right hand, I will not be shaken."

We can take heart in the fact that God never lets go of us. We are held always in God's powerful and loving hands.

Prayer: Steadfast God, thank you for holding us in your righteous right hand - no matter where we go or what is happening in our life. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.