Let Him Grasp Your Hand

Posted: 11 Dec 2008 01:00 AM CST
Is 41:13-20 / Mt 11:11-15

Life’s journey can get lonely at times, and sometimes we can feel exceedingly alone in the midst of a crowd of people whom we’ve known for years. Even children with loving parents can experience this, and so can husbands and wives who are devoted to each other. At times this sense of isolation and solitariness is brought on by trouble somewhere in our lives, some heavy secret or private burden which we believe cannot be shared but must be faced alone. Sometimes it’s just our weariness that makes us withdraw and sit alone.

But at times, the decision is not our own. Our friends have left us and we have been deserted and left to face life with no support, no encouragement, and no comfort. That can be especially bitter, particularly when we know we’ve done nothing to deserve so painful a rejection.

Walking alone, especially for any length of time, can plunge us into a dark valley from which escape can seem impossible. At that juncture, we need to listen closely to God’s words to us as He speaks through the prophet Isaiah:

“I am the Lord, your God, Who grasps your right hand; it is I Who say to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’”
Whatever your trouble, whatever the challenge you face, let the Lord grasp your right hand, and don’t be afraid, for your are alone no more. You never were!