My husband and I like to go for long walks. It has been part of our daily exercise to go outside to enjoy the beauty of nature in all seasons. We often hold hands as we walk, which brings joy and comfort to both of us.
I have been thinking about our hands and what a wonderful gift they are. We can reach out and lend a helping hand to those in need. We can gently touch and with our hands say, “I love you and I care.” I can hold a dear one’s hand and offer comfort and reassurance. I can walk hand in hand with my grandchild and assure him that he is safe. Holding hands shows that we are united and connected. There is so much beauty to be found in our hands, and we can use them for that which is good and beneficial to those around us.
In the Bible we read about how Jesus used His hands to bring healing and comfort to the people He met. “When the sun was setting, all those who had any who were sick with various diseases brought them to him; and he laid his hands on every one of them and healed them” (Luke 4:40). “‘Let the children come to Me, and do not forbid them, for of such is the kingdom of God.’ And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them” (Mark 10:14,16 NKJV).
A beautiful work of art that comes to mind is “Praying Hands” by Albrecht Dürer (1508). So much in art, music, and creative endeavors has come by the work of someone’s hands—sculptures, paintings, music, architecture, and so much more. Some artists created amazing works even though they were painfully and laboriously wrought. Think of Michelangelo and the Sistine Chapel, and Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper.” There were musicians like Chopin and Schumann who played and wrote music, though at times it was very difficult because of sickness or ailments in their hands. They portrayed the beauty of God’s love both in art and music, as shown in many of their masterpieces. And let’s not forget those who toil daily with the work of their hands as they build, craft, farm, and labor.
As I reflect on these artists and the amazing gifts given to them, my thoughts turn to our great Creator, our dear Father. He is the artist that created it all with His loving hands and the power of His Word. When my husband and I go for our walks, we enjoy nature and the beauty of His creation. We marvel at all that His hands have made. It is all for us to enjoy and to take care of.
Here are a few verses from the Bible that tell of His work:
“The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork” (Psalm 19:1).
“In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind” (Job 12:10).
“You open your hand; you satisfy the desire of every living thing” (Psalm 145:16).
Knowing that God is watching over me and that His loving hands will guide me has been a big comfort to me. I have faced many fears in my life, such as before medical examinations, worries about the welfare of our adult kids and grandkids, worries about finances, etc. These fears can, at times, overwhelm me or bring discouragement. Maybe this has happened to you, too.
Holding on to the Lord and His Word in these situations has brought me both comfort and peace. I have found that keeping my mind on what is good and positive has helped me to overcome and to hold on to courage and hope to see me through.
Here are a couple of verses that give me strength and peace:
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).
“The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).
Learning to put my hand and life into His guiding and loving hands has brought much joy to my heart and peace to my mind. I know that my life here on earth is not a journey that I take on my own, but rather, He is with me, keeps me safe, guides me faithfully, and supplies all my needs. His touch comforts and heals me, His hand lifts and holds me, and His endless love brings me such joy. What a wonderful travel partner! He has promised, “I will never leave you nor forsake you. I am with you always” (Hebrews 13:5; Matthew 28:20).
I hope that these thoughts and reflections help assure you that you are loved and safe in His hands, always.
If you have not yet received Jesus as your Savior, you can do so by praying the following prayer:
Jesus, I believe that You are the Son of God and that You died on the cross for me so that, through Your death and resurrection, I can live forever with You in heaven. I open the door of my heart to You. Please forgive my sins. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit. Guide my life and help me to follow You. In Your name I pray. Amen.