Holding Hand

Scriptures: “So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.” (Matthew 19:6)

Many years ago, my wife and I went to a wedding where we ran into an elderly couple. The gentleman was an elder in the church. They were very old then. The elder was either in his late 80’s or early 90’s. His wife was probably in her early to mid 80’s.

The elder was walking with a walking stick in one hand and with the other hand holding on to his wife. They walked slowly, but with great smiles on their faces, greeting everyone on the way. When we saw them, we were very happy because we went to the same church in Taiwan and also because it was really nice to see both of them still alert and in good spirit.

We went up to greet them and, in the conversation, we told them how good it was to see them alert and being able to attend the wedding. The elder replied, “All the things you just said were wonderful. But the hand I am holding onto is so much better than any of the things you just said.” I didn’t think much of it then, just admiring their love and closeness at such old age.

But, in the last few years, I have seen problems in a few marriages. Every time I was told of problems in marriages, the picture of this elderly couple appears in my mind. The way they walked together, holding hands and smiling at everyone that came their way seemed so warm, so hopeful, and so enviable. I am sure they had had their share of troubles and headaches in life. Yet, somehow, they found that the hand they were holding onto was better than even alertness and in good spirit.

I can’t help remembering what God said in the Bible when He first created man, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” (Genesis 2:18) God knew it’s not good for us to be alone. There’re storms in life; there’re ups and downs in life; there’re high and down times in life. So, He sends along a couple of helping hands to support and comfort, another life to share and labor with.

God knows how weak and fragile we are, physically, emotionally and spiritually. Our spouse is the one He prepares for us. They are our partners in life. More than that, they are the supporting hands we need in life. He intends that we learn to love and cherish each other. He loves to teach us lessons of love and closeness in such a tangible way like marriage.

That elderly couple we met that day not only left a beautiful picture of what our marriage ought to be, they set an example of how a loving and lasting relationship should be. In deeds, not in words, they taught me great lessons about life, especially about marriage. I know I can apply the lessons here to my relationship with God.

In Taiwan, “Holding Hand” is another term for spouse. I suppose our ancestors have learned through experiences that these hands we hold onto work so much better than walking sticks. I pray and hope that we will all cherish the hands entrusted to us and learn to walk together in life with our “Holding Hand” in love and in closeness, as we should be with our Heavenly Father!

Prayer Requests:
For those losing focus in marriages to jobs, in-laws, children, health, etc.

Prayer:
Aba Father, thank You for sending those loving and supporting hands to us. Help us to see Your presence and anointing every time we are touched, comforted and encouraged by our “Holding Hands.” Help us love and cherish them more each day so we may grow mature and stronger in love and closeness to them and to You. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!