Hold Out Your Hand

Bible Reading: Psalm 71:1-5

Kara eagerly ran outside to get the mail. Most of the envelopes were for her mom, but in the past few weeks many had been for her too. Right after her dad’s accident, she could hardly even open the cards, but now she looked forward to the messages sent to her and carefully hung each one on her wall. The encouraging words and verses comforted her, and the memories people shared about her dad often made her laugh.

Kara glanced at the letters, then froze when she saw the logo of a campground on one of the envelopes. Every year, when they arrived at the family campground, Dad would grab her hands and swing her around to celebrate their annual vacation. But this year there would be no swinging. Tears rushed down Kara’s face before she could stop them. Her shoulders sagged with her spirits, and she dragged her feet as she entered the house, then slowly raised her eyes to meet her mom’s. “Oh, Mom, I miss Dad so much.”

Mom held Kara as she cried. “I miss him too,” Mom said. “Say, do you remember when you jumped into the pool at camp and you couldn’t swim?”

“Sure do,” replied Kara. “Dad held out his hand, and I grabbed it.”

“That’s right,” Mom said. “And when you were little, what did Dad do when you were scared at night or walking through a parking lot?”

Kara smiled. “He held my hand.”

“I know how hard it is not to have your father here anymore, but you still have your heavenly Father. His hands created the entire world, and they’re always ready to hold yours.” Mom wiped a tear from Kara’s cheek. “Jesus understands the pain we’re going through, and we can turn to Him whenever we feel sad or lonely. He’ll comfort us and remind us that Dad is with Him now and that one day we’ll see him again. We can count on Him to hold our hands and help us. Always!”

Mom grabbed a marker and drew a heart in the center of Kara’s palm. “Even though your dad isn’t here to hold your hand anymore, Jesus is always with you. He loves you and will take your hand to comfort you and help you.” – Shanda Sprick

How About You?

Do you ever get scared or lonely? Perhaps bad dreams wake you up at night or you’re missing someone special. Jesus doesn’t promise that we’ll never feel afraid or sad, but He does promise to be with us at all times and hold our hands. Try it. Hold out your hand when you need comfort from Jesus and picture His hand taking yours. Trust Him to be with you and give you peace.

Today’s Key Verse:
Isaiah 41:13 For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, “Fear not, I will help you.” (NKJV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Jesus will hold your hand