“For I am the Lord your God, who holds your hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”   

Isaiah 41:13

Our lives are full of stresses and struggles. God knows our secrets and concerns and still loves us.  What a comfort to know that God holds our hand and says to us - Do not fear,

I will help you. There is debate about how many times  “Do not fear” or “Be not afraid” or “Fear not” are in the Bible. I like the theory of 366 times-one for every day, leap year included!

The inspiration for this devotion is my brother Paul, who has been battling pancreatic and prostate cancer for 16 months.  He is a devout Christian man with a rock-solid faith.  He has endured 2 major surgeries, 2 rounds of chemotherapy, and 2 lengthy radiation sessions. 

Never once have I heard him question why this is his burden or where is God?  He believes God is always with him, holding his hand, throughout these many months.  Many prayers from his church family, friends and family, and the Bethel Prayer Team have been raised up for him. Knowing so many folks are praying for him gives him strength and comfort. He thanks everyone for their prayers.  He believes whatever the final outcome, God loves him and he is not afraid.  Of course he hopes and prays for

successful treatments and a return to health.  His wife, Julie, fell on the ice a couple weeks ago and fractured her upper arm. They did not say – “haven’t we gone through enough, Lord”?  They were thankful the break did not require surgery and it was her left arm.  She’s right handed.  They look for the blessings in the midst of their challenges.

I am blessed to witness their faith.

The song “You Never Let Go” by Matt Redman is one of my favorites.

“Oh no, You never let go, Lord you never let go of me”

An earthly father will hold his child’s hand to comfort, guide and protect. Circumstances may cause the child’s hand to slip.  The child feels alone and fearful.  The image of God our Father holding my hand or all of me in the palm of His hand is what I cling to every day.

Prayer:  Psalms 56:3-4a  “When I am afraid, O Lord Almighty; I put my trust in you.”  I trust in God and am not afraid.  Thank you Father Lord, for promising to hold our hands and to NEVER let go. Amen.

Delpha Hanson