A small child grasps the hand of his father or mother. It feels safe and secure in the familiar hand. It can be led. The child depends on hands to hold it and guide it on its way.
But how is it when we grow up. At some point we let go, go on independently and look for our own way. On the one hand, we feel independent and free. We have life in our own hands. We go where we want, where life takes us. On the other hand, deep inside we feel a longing. We long for a trusting hand that holds and guides us, for security and safety.
This longing in us is actually the longing for God. He has placed it in the heart of every human being so that we may seek him.
“He put in the heart of man a desire to inquire of that which is eternal” Ecclesiastes 3:11
The first step towards the father’s hand is the realization that we need him, that we depend on his rescue and help. In that moment we will grasp God’s hand and let ourselves fall into his strong hands.
With God we are in the best hands. God’s hand created the universe, our world and us humans out of nothing. Everything that is has been created by his creative hand.
“You have made me happy, Lord, with your works. I rejoice in the works of your hands.” Psalm 92:5
“The heavens declare the glory of God, and the vault of heaven declares the work of his hands.” Psalm 19:2
“Lord, you are our father. We are the clay, and you are our molder, and we are all the work of your hands.” Isaiah 64:7
God’s hand is the hand that protects us. In his hands we are safe and secure.
“You surround me on all sides and hold your protective hand over me.” Psalm 139:5
God’s hand is everywhere to guide and guide us in all areas of our lives. We are never alone in his hand.
” Where should I flee from your spirit, and where can I escape from your presence? If I fly up into the sky, you are there; if I descend into the realm of the dead[1], you are there too. If I took the wings of the dawn or dwelt at the outermost sea, your hand would lead me there too, and your strong arm would hold me. Psalm 139:7-10
God extends his saving hand to us. He comes very close to us. The saving hand is the hand of Jesus Christ. With this hand he knocks on the door of our hearts. We can grasp this hand with childlike trust and in the knowledge that we are his children.
Through Jesus and his work on the cross for us, the way to the father’s hand is free. Through Jesus, God accepts us as his children who belong to him and whom no one can snatch from his hand.
“And I will give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them from my hand. What my father gave me is greater than all, and no one can snatch it from the father’s hand. I and the Father are one.” John 10:28-30
