~ The Hand of God ~

[Lani]

Isaiah 43:1-7
1 But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.
2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.
3 For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee.
4 Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life.
5 Fear not: for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west;
6 I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth;
7 Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.


I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand, it is I who say to you, "Do not fear, I will help you." Isaiah 41:13 (NRSV)




I remember when as a young child I became separated from my father after I let go of his hand. I was along in a shopping mall for a short time, but it seemed like an eternity to me. Shoppers bustled around me, but I felt alone and abandoned. I felt empty in the pit of my stomach. A bit later, I saw my dad coming toward me, calling my name. I felt great relief when I was safe in his arms again.

My sense of abandonment, loneliness, and fear emerges again when I feel that God is not by my side; when I do not discern a response from God. In circumstances or under conditions when I am away from God, I remember the time I lost sight of my dad. I also recall the overwhelming joy of clasping his hand again.

What I do know is that God is always with me. Like a parent who holds a child's hand, God will guide and sustain me. God's mercy will never fail.


Prayer: Loving God, make us aware that in all circumstances your hand will guide us and you will provide the strength we need to face each day. Amen.

Prayer Focus of Day: Missing Children and Their Families

Thought for the Day: God's hand holds us fast every day.

Story shared by: O.A. Delgado (Columbia)
Source: Upper Room Daily Devotional: 9/13/11