HE WILL HOLD ME FAST

DEVOTIONAL

Even there Your hand shall lead me, And Your right hand shall hold me. Psalm 139:10 (NKJV)

Have you ever experienced the comfort of waking up on a cold morning under the warm weight of heavy winter blankets, feeling calm and peaceful? If you did you have experienced the effects of Deep Pressure Stimulation (DPS), and what it can do for the nervous system. Deep Pressure Stimulation (DPS) is firm but gentle squeezing, hugs, or holding that relaxes the nervous system. This pressure can be applied with the hands, special massage tools, or products that you can wear or wrap around yourself to provide pressure. Babies are often swaddled to achieve that calm and comforting effect; weighted blankets are used by adults to achieve the same effect; the simple act of embracing someone close, brings that sense of comfort specially to one in need of emotional support or of affection. That firm but gentle presence is what God has demonstrated all By Pedro Graça, Pastor Camrose/Ryley Seventh-day Adventist Churchesthrough the ages. As He met Elijah, (1 Kings 19:12, 13) revealed in a still small voice. His presence in the Furnace with the three young Hebrews (Daniel 3:24, 25). An ever-comforting presence that He promises to extend to us as well. “Even there Your hand shall lead me, And Your right hand shall hold me.” (Psalm 139:10)

I find great comfort in that promise of a God who offers to lead us by the hand, as a parent leading, guiding, and supporting a beloved child.

It was a painful experience that required a visit to the emergency room to reset his dislocated elbow. If only we had let go … Yet, in our desire to protect and guide him we would hold on, although not as rigidly, after we realized the consequences. God, the ever-loving father, promises to hold on as well. “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).

I find great comfort in that promise of a God who offers to lead us by the hand, as a parent leading, guiding, and supporting a beloved child. He balances his firm presence with a freedom of action giving us the choice to follow our chosen path, but as he told Joshua: “As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you” (Joshua 1:5). He was not speaking to Joshua alone. His promise is for us today, just as much as it was for Joshua. And in His mercy, no matter what path we choose, He will never leave us nor forsake us. “The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace”(Numbers 6:24–26).

By Pedro Graça, Pastor Camrose/Ryley Seventh-day Adventist Churches