Friday, April 26, 2013
Psalm 121:2-3 I lift up my eyes to the hills-- where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip.
OUR SAVIOR'S HAND HOLDS US UP
It was an unseasonably cold spring morning. It had rained during the night and sidewalks outside were covered here and there with patches of ice. A father and his three-year-old son were walking to church. As they approached a slippery spot the father said: "Bobby, you'd better hold my hand." But the boy's hands were sunk deeply into the pockets of his new coat, and he was determined to keep them there. Until he slipped and fell. Humbled by the experience, the little tyke picked himself up from the ground and said: "Okay, I'll hold your hand, Daddy." He reached for his father's hand with a feeble grasp. Soon they came to another slippery patch and down he went again, for he had been unable with his tiny fingers to grip his father's hand tightly. After a moment's reflection, Bobby peered up at his dad and said: "Daddy, you hold my hand." And as the two continued on their way, it was the father's hand that kept the boy from further danger.
How often, when we have come to slippery places of our lives, have we had to learn that it wasn't our hold on the Lord but His hold on us that has kept our feet from stumbling. What a relief to know that, as we set out on the precarious path of each new day, the hand of our Good Shepherd is going to be there to guide us and hold us each step of the way. The same hand of power that created the heavens and the earth. The same hands of mercy that were stretched out on the cross to save us from our sins.
How fitting that we pray, as we get up in the morning and begin our day:
Lord, take my hand and lead me Upon life's way;
Direct, protect, and feed me From day to day.
Without Your grace and favor I go astray;
So take my hand, O Savior, and lead the way.
Lord, when the tempest rages, I need not fear;
For You, the Rock of Ages, Are always near.
Close by Your side abiding, I fear no foe,
For when Your hand is guiding, In peace I go.
(Worship Supplement 2000, 784:1-2)
[Based on a devotion from the book "My Hand in His" by Herman Gockel.]
