Your Hand Holds Me

My kitchen counter overflowed with mouth-watering offerings provided by our ladies’ life group. Steam rose from the freshly delivered pizzas. The enticing flavor of garlic permeated the air, thanks to a friend who brought Olive Garden breadsticks and salad. Brownies, cookies, and homemade cake pops invited us to hurry through dinner to further indulge our taste buds.

The evening progressed from sharing rich food to sharing stories of God’s rich love.

One young woman remembered the time she drove home from work tired from a long, busy week. Her feelings of weariness multiplied at the sight of her yard which obviously required the attention of a mower and weed eater. Owning her own home suddenly felt like a heavy burden rather than a wise purchase.

“Lord, was buying this house a mistake? I’m so tired! How am I going to get all this work done?”

The sound of a text message interrupted her thoughts. “I’m coming over to mow your grass. See you soon.”

A perfectly timed answer to prayer sent by a relative who had no idea he’d actually been sent by God!

Maybe it doesn’t seem as spectacular as the time God parted the Red Sea, but my friend had sensed the tender love of her heavenly Father in a deeply personal way.

Another woman told of the time when a relaxing drive through a mountain pass turned treacherous with an unexpected snowstorm. Speeds slowed dramatically as drivers cautiously navigated the slippery roads. Without any warning, her car hit an icy patch and skidded into the lane of oncoming traffic heading straight for a steep cliff.

“Lord, help me!”

Suddenly, she experienced the sensation of her car being lifted, moved across the slippery road and directed into the correct lane. Stunned by the unexplainable rescue from certain catastrophe, confused thoughts flew through her mind. What just happened?

The answer came from her daughter as she woke from a sound sleep, “Mom, what’s going on? I feel God’s presence so strongly!”

Grateful sobs made it impossible for her to answer. God’s powerful love filled their car and washed over their souls.

I stand in awe and wonder as I consider the love of God who holds us in His hands and knows our every need even before we do. Consider the psalmist’s words:

You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord.

You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head.

Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand!

If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans,

even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me.

You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book.

Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.

How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered!

I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand!

And when I wake up, you are still with me! (Psalm 139:4-7,9-10,16-18 NLT)

Lord, we thank You that no matter what’s happening, You’re already there! You go before us, You surround us, You’re always thinking of us, and You delight in surprising us with Your miraculous care.

Open our eyes to daily expressions of Your lavish love: whether it’s something as simple as an unexpected offer of help or a miraculous rescue from life-threatening obstacles. You are our Good Father! Thank You for Your perfect love.