Takes hold of our right hand

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 was raised in wonderful church environments throughout my childhood and teenage years. My family was always active in ministry and worshipped together. I would skip up to children's church after the hymns (the time when the pastor taught a lesson to the kids while they sat on the stairs leading up to the stage). I have heard many bible stories taught via flannel board (which I LOVED, by the way) and participated in countless VBS weeks. I went to Sunday School and 'big church' every Sunday, discipleship training every Sunday evening, and Wednesday night dinners/prayer meetings. What's my point? Most verses that are referenced in church I have some familiarity with. I usually need insight on them but I have at least absorbed them at some point. This verse? Never ever heard it. Not even one time.

I am completely intrigued with this verse in Isaiah. I love the imagery given of God holding our right hand. As a mom, my mind goes to the hundreds (probably thousands) of times I have taken my kids' hands. There are several reasons why I might take my son's hand. The first one that comes to mind is safety-parking lots, busy malls, Walmart, etc. This is the typical mom death grip that I promise you a 300 lb gorilla couldn't escape from. Another reason I hold a hand is to show love and care. It's a gentler touch-one that is not worried about safety and escape into danger. Just a pure expression of love. Finally, I might grab a hand firmly to help him accomplish something difficult or get up when he has fallen.

So, let's look at the comparison. Doesn't God hold our hand for all of the same reasons? A tight grip of safety, a warm touch of love, and a firm grasp for help when we fall. I am thinking of the song "Friend of God" as I write this: Who am I that you are mindful of me? That you hear me. When I call. God is our  Protector and Guide, our Comforter, our Redeemer. Why does he hold our hand? The same reason I hold my boys' hands. It is simply because He loves us. It is not out of obligation or duty. Oh, friend, He loves us.

With God holding my hand how can I be afraid?

Take a listen to the song
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-STvEe-KQ8