Hold my hand
By Pastor Andrew Paris

Paris

Do you remember the pounds of snow and ice we had last March? I couldn't believe it. Inches of white-stuff in March! March!!

One snow-filled day last March my five-year-old son Nathan and I were walking on the icy sidewalk. As we approached a slippery place, I said to him: "You had better let me hold your hand." But he didn't think he needed to do that. After all, he is a big boy. He kept his little hands snug in his pockets and he kept them there- -until he slipped and fell!

Bowed but not beaten by this humbling experience, Nathan raised himself and said, "I'll hold your hand, Daddy." And he reached up and took my hand with a feeble grip.

Soon we came to another slippery place- -and down he went again, for his tiny fingers had not been able to grip my hand with enough strength.

Once more we started walking again, but after a moment's reflection Nathan looked up into my face and said with child-like confidence, "YOU hold my hand, Daddy." And as we went safely on our way, my hand kept him from further danger.

How often, when WE have come to the slippery places of life, have we had to learn that it was not OUR hold upon God, but HIS hold upon us that kept our feet from stumbling!

Jesus tells us in His Word: "You are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation" (1 Peter 1:5). It is He, not we; it is His power, not ours, that does the guarding.

What a comfort, as we set out on the unknown and often dangerous path of each new day, to know that it is His hand that will lead us and will hold us every step of the way. For we know that the hand that is stretched from heaven to help us is the hand that was pierced on "the old rugged cross" to save us from our sins.

In Christ's hands we are safe. He knows us and loves us. He gives us eternal life. And no man shall pluck us from His hands (John 10:27-29). So we ought to follow Him and let Him hold our hand as we walk through life's slippery paths.

When we enter into each new day, may we always pray: "YOU hold my hand, Jesus!"

Our plea should be: "While life's dark maze I tread and griefs around me spread, Be Thou my guide."

"Precious Lord, take my hand, Lead me on, help me stand. I am tired, I am weak, I am worn. Through the storm, through the night, Lead me on to the light. Precious Lord, take my hand, lead me home."

Andrew Paris is minister of Delphi Christian Church. He can be reached by e-mail at paris46923@yahoo.com.