The waves
of Lake Michigan were high and splashing onto the pier one day as I followed a
young family out to a lighthouse. I overheard the young girl say to her father:
“Daddy, please walk alongside me and hold my hand at this scary part.”
Sometimes
life can be scary for us too: Loss of loved ones. Financial woes. Health
problems. As we carry these heavy burdens and cares, we long for a strong hand
to hold ours to keep us steady and secure.
When
Joshua took over the leadership of Israel, Moses reminded him of God’s help in
tough times. In the difficult days to come, Joshua would need to remember to
trust God and His promises. Moses said, “The Lord, He is the One who goes
before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not
fear nor be dismayed” (Deut. 31:8).
Isaiah 41:13
encourages us with these words from God: “I, the Lord your God, will hold your
right hand, saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’ ” When life gets scary,
God is with us, we can hold His strong hand.
This song
by Lowell Alexander reminds us of God’s presence: “You will face mountains so
steep, deserts so long, and valleys so deep. Sometimes the journey’s gentle,
sometimes the cold winds blow. But I want you to remember, I want you to know
you will never walk alone. . . . Jesus will be right beside you all the way.”
He’ll walk alongside us and hold our hand at the “scary” parts.
Fears
flee in the light of God’s presence. (RBC)
