While our children are small, we want them to hold onto our hand
whenever we are out in public. The primary reason for this is safety. We do not
want them to find themselves in a place of danger or harm. We do not want them
to be separated from us. We want to protect and keep our beloved children close
to our side. We give our children directions to ‘Stay by my side!’ and
‘Hold my hand!’
Curiosity can be great when a small child is in a new and
exciting environment. Simply wandering off can be due to simple inattention,
not always disobedience or rebellion. When constant handholding was not
practical, I attached to attach a leash to both my wrist and by young son’s. He
was as fast as lightning. I could barely turn my head and he would be gone.
This could be very dangerous when shopping.
The lease kept him close, yet gave him some freedom.
Once, when Jon was about three years old, we were at a very busy
Do It Yourself store. As I stood in line near the exit, the two women behind me
began discussing my choice for protecting my son. They did not even try to
speak quietly, as they commented that a ‘child should never be leashed like a
dog.’ I listened for a moment, before turning around and informing them that
this little child ran far faster than I did. I told them, “Child abuse would be
to put him in a situation where he could run out into traffic, before I could
reach and stop him.”
Father
God wants to hold our hands securely in his. He wants his close by his side at
all times. “Come close to God, and God will come
close to you.” (James 4:8a NLT) When the world outside
seems a big and scary place we do not have to fear. Our father God has said, “Don’t
be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your
God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my
victorious right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10 NLT)
Like
I did for my son, our Heavenly Father will use whatever method necessary to
keep us from getting too far from him. Others may not understand. They may
consider us foolish for remaining tied to him. We may not even understand that
we need to be tethered to God to prevent wandering too far away. We don’t
always see the dangers that are very near those things that attract us. But God
sees and protects in ways we may never realize.
He will give us some freedom, yet keep us safe.
It
can be quite frustrating when a child refuses to offer his hand. Repeated
squirming and wiggling attempts to separate the little hand from the large safe
hand can be a display of self-will and rebellion. Likewise, our self will can
throw a spiritual tantrum. God continues to watch out for us, even when we are
disobedient. Speaking of the new covenant through Jesus Christ, the
writer of Hebrews referred to the Israelites of old. “This
covenant will not be like the one I made with their ancestors when I took them
by the hand and led them out of the land of Egypt.” (Hebrews 8:9a
NLT) They were rebellious to the leading
of God’s servant, yet He took hold of them and led them out.
It
is very encouraging what a young child willingly clings to a parent’s hand.
This shows an awareness of the need to remain connected to the security and
protection his parents bring. When we hear the Father say, ‘Take My hand,’ we
should willingly obey. The path ahead may be difficult, but His strength
will be enough. “Even there shall Your hand lead me, and Your
right hand shall hold me.” (Psalm 139:10 AMP) It is pleasant to walk without a struggle.The greatest joy comes when the child reaches up to take your
hand without having to be asked, He not
only knows of his need for you, but desires to be by your side. When we approach God, it will bring joy to
His heart if we come willingly and enthusiastically. Take His hand today with a heart like the
Psalmist. “Nevertheless I am
continually with You; You do hold my right hand.” (Psalm 73:23
AMP)
There is great joy and peace, walking hand in hand with your Heavenly
Father. Take a walk today.
No comments:
Post a Comment