We hold hands for so many reasons, don’t we? As a young child we hold our parents’ hands to keep us safe when crossing a street. As a parent we hold our child’s hand to protect them from unknown dangers. When romance blooms, we hold hands with the one we love. When we pray in a group, we hold hands to help unify our prayer. We hold the tiny little hands of our newborn babies in awe that they are ours. We hold the well worn hands of our elderly family members as we listen to them share memories.

Hands comfort us with hugs when we are heartbroken. Hands comfort us with food preparation when we have a need. Hands comfort us when we are sick and in need of some tender loving care. Hands celebrate with us when we are excited about that big win. Hands praise God when we worship him. Hands honor God as we fold them in prayer to Him.

The hands in this photo represent three generations in my family. The older, well worn hand is that of a beloved great aunt. The younger adult hand is my son-in-law’s hand, and the tiny hand is that of my oldest granddaughter. The photo was taken when my granddaughter met my beloved great aunt for the first time. I am so thankful my daughter captured this moment! Living three hours away from “home” makes it difficult to visit as often as we all would like. I spent many hours in this home myself growing up and always loved visiting my great aunt on trips home.

Look closely at this photo with me for a few minutes.  I see several distinct things in these hands.  I see a young baby’s hand timidly reaching out to an unknown hand. That tiny hand is bringing comfort and joy to that well worn hand.  I see a fathers hand firmly holding his child so she feels secure. That protective hand shows that young baby that she is loved and can safely reach out to that new hand. I see a well worn hand that held the hands of parents, siblings, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and a multitude of nieces and nephews over the years. That well worn hand is ready to hold that tiny hand of another generation. I “see” the invisible hands of God as he surrounds all three of them. His strong hands hold each of them close. 

I made my own quick trip to visit a few months later and I was able to spend a couple hours with my beloved great aunt. It was the last visit I had with her in her own home. For the entire length of my visit, she held my hand tight in hers as we talked. I shared updates on each of my kids, and that sweet granddaughter. I shared updates on my job (at that time) as children’s minister. She shared updates on her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She shared updates on a few of her other nieces and nephews that I had met over the years. We laughed together as we recalled a few of the funny stories from my childhood. No matter what we discussed, she never let go of my hand. On my drive home later that day, I thought about her hands for a long, long time. The comfort, support, and love those hands gave me for many years warms my heart even now.

It was such a comfort to have my hand firmly in hers during that visit, but I am comforted even more knowing God never lets go of my hands! His hands hold me together when I feel like giving up. His hands hold me up when the pain of heartbreak seems too much to bear. His hands hold me close when worry tries to invade my mind. His hands hold mine when I rejoice. His hands hold me gently when I turn to him in prayer and lay everything at his feet. His hands were there when I admitted I was a sinner in need of His forgiveness. His hands were there when I believed with my entire heart, mind and soul Jesus died on the cross for my sins. His hands were there when I finally reached up and asked Him to be my Lord and Savior. His hands grasped mine tightly when I asked Him to lead me through life. I am so thankful His hands surround me daily as I stumble through my journey in life.

His hands are there for you too. You just need to reach up, hold tight, and accept His grace.

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

“And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured on the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”  Hebrews 12:1b-2