When my children were small, I held their hand a lot.  In order to ensure their safety while crossing busy streets, navigating crowded stores, or zigzagging through packed malls, hand holding was a must. 

But those weren’t the only times I held their little hands.  I also held them when we were just taking a walk or going from the car to a store or a restaurant.  I held their hands during those times so they could follow my lead and know where I was going.

In both cases, all they needed to do was hold my hand and trust me.  They didn’t have to worry about their safety or wonder where they were going.  As their parent, I was taking care of both of those things.

As Christ-followers, learning to hold God’s hand is one of our many life lessons on earth. In Psalm 139, David unpacks his soul in a very transparent way.  He details how God knows when he sits down and when he gets up; what he’s thinking and what he’s about to say; where he goes and all that he does.

Then, in verse 10, having poured out the fact that there is nowhere he could run where God wouldn’t be, David says, “…Your hand will lead me.  Your right hand will hold on to me.”

Spelled out in black and white, David is referencing God’s perfect guidance and protection in his life.  All David had to do was hold His hand.

How many times have we lost our peace, our joy, and ultimately, our way because we refuse to hold our Father’s strong hand?  How many times do we get upset not knowing the end result of something instead of holding His hand through the process and trusting His guidance?

In many translations, Psalm 139 has the title “The All-Knowing, Ever-Present God”.  Do we really act like He is, though?  Do we have peace that testifies to this truth in our lives?

As God, He has perfect foresight to know the beginning of things to the end – whether it’s a relationship that is strained right now; a heart that is breaking over the tension in the world; or a mind and body that is stressed and exhausted. 

Hold His hand.

He knows the way – through everything and in everything you find yourself in the midst of today.

Hold His hand.

He sees you.  He cares.  He’ll protect and guide you.  Find a quiet spot in your day to read Psalm 139, trust Him, and hold His hand.

Until next time, Grace and Glory!