Holding Hands

I love holding Kathy's hand. I remember the first time we went for a walk together in Bible College, asking her if I could hold her hand. She said yes, and I've been holding hands with her for 25 years now. It has never gotten old, sometimes I just drive across town to hold her hand for a few moments.

This past week Kathy and I slipped out for a late night coffee and yummy bread pudding at a local restaurant. We walked from the truck to the restaurant holding hands and talking about our day. As we approached the steps, she missed the first step completely and if we had not been holding hands she would have fallen head first into the ground. I was so glad that because we were holding hands I was able to hold her up and keep her from falling that night.

Today, as I was reading and praying about the leadership of God in our lives, I came across Psalm 37 and was touched especially by verses 23-24. Apparently God loves holding hands as much as we do.

"The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand." Psalm 37:23-24

When we walk with God He holds our hands so that even when we stumble we are not destroyed, He 'upholds' our hand. There are sometimes rough areas on life's paths. There are times when the terrain is steep and treacherous. There are unexpected obstacles along the way. If we just hold on to the hand of God we will make it through. He will lift us up when we stumble.

Holding hands requires closeness. You just can't hold hands with anyone if you are too far apart. Stay close to God. Holding hands is an act of intimacy. We might shake hands with just about anyone but a handshake can become uncomfortable if it is held too long, we hold hands with those that we share close relationships with. We sometimes hold hands in crowded places so that we don't get separated and lost. We hold hands with our children while we lead them places. Hold fast to God's hands!

Just thinking! Have a great day!

Comments

[Jonathan]

Good stuff! You learned all that in only 25 years of marriage? Some of us have taken longer. :)

[Debbie Giles]

Touching, relevant, and Biblical. I really enjoyed this piece, thank you Pastor Mike.