One of the ladies in our small group shared an experience she had with her four-year-old great-granddaughter. The two of them were taking a walk when they approach a busy street. Extending her hand toward the girl, Grannie offered, “Take my hand; I will help you get across the street safely.”
The child looked at the out-stretched hand, thought for a moment, then grasping her own hand, she stated proudly, “I can do it! I’ll take my own hand.”
Do we do that with God? We walk through life with hardly a care in the world. A problem arises, and we proudly proclaim, “Don’t worry, I’ve got this.” We have bought into the philosophy that says, “Don’t sweat the small stuff… and it’s all small stuff.” But there is a problem with that mindset: We eventually discover there are things we can’t help but sweat—there is “big” stuff. If it’s big for you, it’s no longer small stuff.
“Don’t worry, I’ve got this!” becomes a hollow boast when we encounter a life crisis that is beyond our pay grade: a frightening report from the doctor, a broken relationship, a financial setback. Whose hand can we reach for in times like these?
In Isaiah, we read, “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 (NIV)
“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
I find it interesting that Isaiah indicates that God “takes hold of your right hand.” In my mind’s eye, I see God extending his right hand to grasp the hand of the one who has fallen. “Do not fear, I will help you.” could be interpreted, “Relax, I, the Lord, have got this!”
In the Psalms we read additional words of encouragement:
“I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”
Psalm 16:8
“You make your saving help my shield, and your right hand sustains me…” Psalm 18:35
“Save us and help us with your right hand, that those you love may be delivered.” Psalm 60:5
“I cling to you; your right hand upholds me.” Psalm 63:8
“Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.” Psalm 73:23
“Save us and help us with your right hand, that those you love may be delivered.” Psalm 108:6
When we encounter the “big” things in life, it is very reassuring to know that our loving Father will extend his strong right hand to help us. We need only reach out to grasp it. And reaching out—it turns out—is so much easier, if we have gotten in the habit of trusting God with even the “small” things.
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.” Psalm 28:7
Blessings,
Don & Bonnie Sennott
Authors of Your Heart is an Open Book: Finding Answers in God’s Word
Flickr image by Sharron
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