He Holds Your Hand
Have you ever experienced frustration, disappointment, or disillusionment with delayed dreams or derailed goals? What about unanswered prayers?
Sometimes, it appears the scraped-together morsels of our effort, energy, and perseverance are wasted. We wonder whether we’re making progress, let alone making a difference. We muster courage, draw in a ragged breath determined to battle discouragement, and force ourselves to take the next step. With a white-knuckled grip, we cling to all we hold dear, desperate to control the outcome.
But what if, instead of holding tight to our dreams, our goals, and our timing, we let it go for something far greater?
On Sunday mornings growing up, my dad and I would walk to the corner store. My hand in his, I’d skip alongside him without a care in the world. He’d buy a newspaper, and I’d select a handful of beloved penny candies. Whether it was a walk to the store or a drive in his Buick, I never worried about where we were going or questioned the route. I trusted him and enjoyed his company.
Our relationship with God—and trusting him with our lives—is a lot like a young child holding her daddy’s hand. That child doesn’t question where her father is taking her, concern herself with the route, or worry how long it will take to get there. She simply skips along beside him filled with joy and freedom. If that child can so easily place her trust in an imperfect father, why do we find it hard to trust our perfect Father in Heaven?
Sometimes, in the ragged breaths between our feverish prayers, we may hear God whisper, do you trust me? It’s a recurring theme along our faith journey. I hazard it’s because we grapple with trust issues. We take back control and clutch our dreams to our chest, believing we know better. Sometimes, we throw a tantrum when things threaten to spiral out of control. Other times, when circumstances completely derail, we face a spiritual crisis.
And yet, the One who holds all things together offers to hold our hand.
At some point, we choose take his hand. For a time, we walk alongside him, enjoying the sweetness of his presence. But when trials come, and our faith is tested, we question why it has to be so hard or take so long to reach the destination. We may grow frustrated or fearful and yank our hand away or even stomp off on our own direction. Even then, God’s hand remains outstretched. The gentle offer from a trusted father who promises he will never leave us or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6).
At some point, we not only place our trust in God’s saving grace, but we learn, step by step, to hold on to his hand and daily trust him. We keep stride with him, believing him when he tells us, “I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11). Eventually, we skip alongside him—made brave by his love—unconcerned about the destination or how long it will take to get there.
In time, the former things we held so tight lose their shine in his presence. What matters now is the gentle whisper of the One whose fingers entwine ours that says, “This is the way, walk in it (Isaiah 30:21). Eventually, our dreams align with his, and he takes us places we could never have thought to ask for or imagine (Ephesians 3:20).
What would it look like to release your dreams and sorrows to your Heavenly Father’s perfect care and—in their place—reach for his outstretched hand?
