PRECIOUS HANDS

Fear not, for I am with you; Be

not dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you, yes, I will

help you with My righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10

Recently, I was looking carefully at my hands recalling what I remember of them from time past. Now they are wrinkled, some fingers swollen or twisted from arthritis. No matter the time, past or present, I don't know what I would do without them. I can't imagine how folks manage who have lost use of their hands through accident or physical conditions.

It's interesting when a baby comes into the world, it's usually with a shrill cry, legs kicking and tight-fisted hands boxing the air. You can force your finger into those those two little fists but it can be difficult. There is an unbelievable strength there. In fact, if you can get your index fingers worked into those little fists, with little effort, you can raise that baby in an almost standing position without it falling. If you try this, another adult should be near with open hands. I've done this several times in various settings and it was the same every time.

The hands I'm most grateful for are the precious hands of God. There are several verses in Scripture that speak of the strong functioning of God's hands on our behalf that are worth looking up. I've always loved the fact that God holds me in the palm of His hand. I don't know how He does it for us all, but He can manage it. Pity the thought that we might allow our hands to be fisted, resisting the precious guiding of God's hands in our lives.

With gratitude, on our part, one of the greatest ways to show that gratitude for all His special care for us .is to more often fold our hands in prayer.

Father, You provide the greatest tender, care for us as You lead us with your hand as a loving parent would. Better yet, You keep us close to Yourself in the palm of Your hand. Help us to relax more in those facts as we face a culture in turmoil. You are our only true security and we thank You. In Jesus' precious name....Amen