Old Hands of Love — Morning Devotions

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She was having a tough time, and eventually left the order. She is in tears one day and seeks help from the old Irish nun Sister Patrick. Catherine doesn’t know what to do. She’s almost at the end of her tether. And the older, wise nun with the withered hands, stretches out her hand and simply says, “Take mine”. It was a simple, profound statement. Take my hand and I’ll help you. You’re not alone.

When someone you love takes your hand, something special happens. You don’t feel so alone. You can face the world again, because you know someone cares. What are you afraid of? A survey in the US found out people are afraid of losing their freedom, the unknown, pain, disappointment, misery, loneliness, ridicule, rejection, and death.

Lord, Take My Hand

Rev. Thomas Dorsey is often called the father of gospel music. In 1932 he was running a church conducting a service on Sunday when someone handed him a note. His wife had just died in childbirth. Within 24 hours, his newborn baby also died. For Dorsey, it was too much. He spiraled down into deep depression. He doubted God’s goodness and grew very angry and bitter. His faith was shattered. A week later he sat at his piano, grief-stricken, when he suddenly felt the peace of God come over him. He remembered a tune he had previously heard, and started playing the piano. And then the words came:

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 light is almost gone,
Hear my cry, hear my call
Hold my hand lest I fall
Take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home.

When the darkness appears and the night draws near,
And the day is past and gone,
At the river I stand,
Guide my feet, hold my hand
Take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home.

God gave him the song “Take my hand” that changed his life, and to millions of others around the world who have either sung it, or listened to it. It’s been translated into more than 40 languages, and sung by Elvis Presley. Considered by many to be a bit old-fashioned today, it is nonetheless a powerful gospel song. And the Bible tells me that God holds my hand. Who better than the eternal God to hold my hand, and to comfort me when I go through difficult days. Someone else has penned the words:

Hope 103.2 is proudly supported by

Many things about tomorrow
I don’t seem to understand;
But I know who holds tomorrow
And I know who holds my hand.

God Wants to Hold Our Hand

Hebrews 13:5 says, “I will never leave you; I will never abandon you.” God’s own Words tell us: “For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13. God wants to hold our hand and comfort us. All we need to do is ask for his comfort and then take his hand. Robert Browning wrote: “I have lived, seen God’s hand through a lifetime, and all was for best”.

And that’s the amazing thing as we go through life. God’s hand is on us all the time, even when we don’t see it clearly. Children reach out for a hand many, many times each day. It is good for them to have a hand to hold as streets are crossed or steep steps are climbed. Often, a child wants to hold a trusted adult’s hand simply for comfort or companionship. God offers you a hand in much the same manner. You are his child. Take his hand today. He will walk with you wherever you go. If you let him, he will even lead the way.

God says he holds our right hand—this is amazing. He is there for us, and he takes our hand and leads us through the difficult times. And he doesn’t let go. It’s not awkward when he does this. He loves us so much that he longs for us to trust him and to reach out to him through every season of this life. Are you willing to reach out your hand to him today? He is here, right now and he is not going anywhere. Trust him; lean on him. Allow his love to fill your life with his joy, grace and peace.

No power on this earth can ever take us from the Father’s hand. No matter what happens in this life, no matter which way things go, nothing can take us from the Father’s hand so long as we remain united to the Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. One old prayer says: “Father, let me hold your hand, and like a child walk with you down all my days, secure in your love and strength.” (Prayer of Thomas à Kempis, c.1380–1471).

PRAYER
Lord, thank you for holding my hand as I face challenges in my life. It helps to know you are with me. I will not be afraid for my God goes with me. Amen.