Holding God's Hand

God's got a big hand.

I would know. I've got a firm grasp on it.

Something got me thinking about that imagery tonight,  and I want to share the words of a hymn known as Precious Lord, Take My Hand, a Spiritual...

Precious Lord, take my hand
Lead me on, let me stand
I am tired, I am weak, I am worn
Through the storm, through the night
Lead me on to the light
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home

When my way grows drear
Precious Lord linger near
When my life is almost gone
Hear my cry, hear my call
Hold my hand lest I fall
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home

My grip on God's hand got a little weak there. I almost let go. Because I didn't trust that He was leading me in the right way.

It's comforting when you can sit back, realize that God's holding your hand, and understand that He will never, ever let go.

In a praise song by Tenth Avenue North, the lyrics go something like "Please don't fight these Hands that are holding you... My hands are holding you."

Wow. Not only is God holding my hand, He is holding me IN His hand.

In John 10:28, the Shepherd says, "No one can snatch them out of the palm of my hand."

Not only am I in His hand, I'm guaranteed protection there too.

Why did I ever struggle? Why did I ever try and squirm my way out, thinking "God, you obviously don't know what you're doing so would you please just let me go?"

And the little bit I was losing my grip on the hand, I saw for myself the dangers of letting go and take my  word for it, it really is no fun.

There is a benediction I like to end prayers with... it goes:
God, please be above us to watch over us,
beneath us to lift us up in our times of need,
walk in front of us to lead the way,
walk behind us to steady our step,
and walk beside us as our Good Shepherd.

That's all part of holding God's hand. And being held in it. Being all encompassed by Him.

Now that's comforting.