The Guiding Hand

Bible Reading: Psalm 31:1-5

“This is fun,” said Miles as he guided the aluminum fishing boat across the lake. The wind was strong and the waves were quite high, but Dad had agreed to let Miles try steering the boat.

“Need a little help?” asked Dad.

Miles shook his head. “I can do it alone.” But a few moments later, a bigger, faster boat passed by near them, leaving rough water in its wake. Soon their boat began to zigzag back and forth. “Help me, Dad!” yelled Miles.

Dad was right there, ready to help. He quickly placed his hand over Miles’s and guided the fishing craft until things were once again under control.

That evening, Miles told his mom about their adventure. “Dad could handle it with no problem, but not me! I needed help. I guess Dad can handle anything!”

Dad grinned. “Not quite, but when I’m faced with something I can’t handle, there’s someone to help me too.”

“There is?” asked Miles. “You don’t mean Grandpa, do you? He’s not always right here.”

“No,” Dad said. “Grandpa often did help me when I was a kid—and he still does whenever he can. But I’m thinking of Jesus. What happened out there on the lake is a pretty good example of what happens in my Christian life.”

“It is?” asked Miles. “How?”

“Sometimes—especially when things are going well—I make the mistake of thinking I can handle anything by myself,” Dad explained. “Sometimes God lets me try, and if I get too independent, things can get completely out of hand before I turn to Him. When I do, He’s always right there, ready to help me.”

“But…He can’t really put His hand over yours, can He?” Miles asked.

“Not literally, of course, but when I ask for His help, He uses various things to let me know how to handle the situation. Sometimes He uses other people to show me what to do. Other times He just quiets my heart through His Word and teaches me to wait patiently and trust Him.”

Miles nodded thoughtfully. “I’m glad you were there today when I needed you, and I’m glad Jesus is always there to help and guide both of us!” Ruth I. Jay

How About You?

When things seem to be going well, do you forget that you need Jesus? Do you think you can handle that math test on your own? Or you don’t need any guidance in your friendships? It’s great to have parents or other adults you can depend on, but Jesus is the one you should look to for guidance in every part of your life. He is always with you and wants to help you. Let Him.

Today’s Key Verse:
Isaiah 58:11 The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in drought, and strengthen your bones. (NKJV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Let God guide you