Think on These Things: Positive thoughts in a negative world…
The Bible continually refers to God as our heavenly Father and us, as His children. I love what God tells us in Isaiah 41:13: “For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, ‘Do not fear. I will help you.’”
Fathers exude an aura of protectiveness to their children. When toddlers are learning to walk, they want to hold their father’s hand to steady their uneasy steps. Preschoolers tend to be a little braver, so a father will demand his hand is held to keep children from wandering away, getting lost, or darting out in front of traffic. His hand gives a sense of security.
As children grow up and show a certain amount of wisdom, they might be allowed to venture out more on their own. Still they know that a steady hand of guidance is there when needed.
Of course, there are times when teens or young adult children think they know so much more than their father. Eventually, as they grow in maturity, they realize dad knew quite a bit more than they thought. As Tim Russet said, “The older I get, the smarter my dad seems to get.”
Those who had loving fathers find it easier to view God as loving, merciful, and kind. Unfortunately, not all fathers are that way. Some were too busy to be bothered with their children, never around, or even abusive. Our heavenly Father can transcend those negative memories because our spiritual Father is never too busy for us. He is always available and willing to give us His undivided attention. His thoughts are only for our best. He will never abandon or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).
We are all children at heart. We all have times when we need someone to hold our hand. If we put our hand in our heavenly Father’s hand, He will hold it. He will help us. He will steady our uneasy steps. He will keep us from getting lost. He may lead us on a path that appears hazy, but there’s no need to worry. He knows the way. He will calm our anxieties. He will comfort our pain. He will keep us secure.
All we have to do is say, “Father, hold my hand” and He will! God is continually with us and will gladly hold our hand if that’s what we want. No need to fret. No need to fear. As He holds our hand, He counsels and guides us—and when the time comes, His loving hand will take us to eternal glory (Psalm 73:23-24).
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“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” ~Philippians 4:8 (KJV)
