Take My Hand

Scriptures: “If I go up to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in the depths, You are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there Your hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast.” (Psalm 139:8-10)

When I was a little boy, my Father used to take me to my uncle’s farm every Saturday. To get there, we had to take a bus which will take us to a small town near Taipei. Then we had to walk through a small local market followed by an adventuresome walk through a suspension bridge. Then, came one of my favorite parts of the trip, we had to pass a barracks where we often see soldiers practicing building bridges over the river. Afterwards, we would walk by a factory where they manufactured metal products. Then we would arrive at my uncle’s farm. The whole trip would take about an hour or so.

One of those trips was especially memorable to me. As usual, we went by bus and walked through the market. Then we came to that suspension bridge. It wasn’t a huge suspension bridge like the Gold Gate Bridge. It was just a bridge big enough for people living on both sides of the river to commute. Though the cables were big and strong, the deck was actually made up of planks only.

Like all other trips before it, my dad walked ahead of me and I just looked around and found everything interesting because they were so different from the city where I lived. Normally, I had no problems going through that bridge. But, that day, it was different. There was a piece of plank missing on the deck.

When I came to that spot where the plank was missing, I stopped. I could see through that “big” hole and saw the water running deep below. It seemed so deep that I couldn’t help fearing for making any mistake when crossing that “big” hole. I could feel my heart sinking as I gazed into that hole. I stood there and found no strength in me to step over. All of a sudden, a big hand grabbed my left hand. I looked up and there stood my dad. Somehow he noticed that I wasn’t keeping up with him and turned back for me. Without a word, he started walking. As he took hold of my hand, all of a sudden, that hole did not matter any more. I felt like, with that strong hand holding on to me, even if I fell into that hole, he could surely pick me up and lead me on.

In many ways, I often feel like reliving that moment again in my life. This is especially true after I came to know the Lord. That hole could be a financial crisis, an immigration related issue, a career problem, a spiritual battle, a difficult parent-child relationship, or others and I found myself at the end of my own rope, standing still and helpless. But our Lord God is faithful. He came along, grabbed my hand and started walking. Then, all of a sudden, everything was ok.

The hole is still there. It wasn’t reduced or removed and I am still the same person. But things are different. I am no longer fearful because He is with me. I didn’t have to raise my hand or cry out for help. He’s watching out for me. He sees me wherever I am and He comes to my rescue, even when I don’t know how to ask for help. His presence and companionship are my strength and my guidance.

You know what? The most amazing thing is, ever since then, never have I feared stepping over a hole, big or small, on a suspension bridge again!


Take My Hand, Precious Lord

Precious Lord, take my hand
Lead me on, let me stand
I am tired, I am weak, I am worn
Through the storm, through the night
Lead me on to the light
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home

When my way grows drear
Precious Lord linger near
When my light is almost gone
Hear my cry, hear my call
Hold my hand lest I fall
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home

When the darkness appears
And the night draws near
And the day is past and gone
At the river I stand
Guide my feet, hold my hand
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home

Precious Lord, take my hand
Lead me on, let me stand
I’m tired, I’m weak, I’m lone
Through the storm, through the night
Lead me on to the light
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home

-- by Rev. Thomas A. Dorsey

Prayer Requests:
For all those feeling trapped in the difficulties thrown their way by life

Prayer:
Father God, thank You for being so mindful of us. Thank You for coming to our sides to lead us on in life time and again. Thank You for the unending love You have shown us through Your Son Jesus and through the blessing of Your Spirit. Help us to share such amazing love and faithful grace with all for we pray in the mighty name of our Lord Jesus, Amen!