For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, ‘Fear not, I am the one who helps you.’

Isaiah 41:13

When a loved one holds your hand, there is a special sense of security that comes with it. As a child, your parents would hold your hand to keep you safe as you crossed the street or walked around in a crowded place. As a boyfriend or girlfriend, you hold your partner’s hand for the first time to show affection and love. As a husband or wife, you hold your spouse’s hand to show that you are still there for them and will always be by their side until death. Knowing that God is holding your right hand is the ultimate form of both security and love.

In this verse, God assures us that he will always be there for us when our fears have overwhelmed our minds. The holding of the right hand is symbolic. Throughout the Bible, the right hand embodied the ideas of strength, authority, blessing, and friendship. God comforts us by holding our hand as we navigate through life, no matter how treacherous it might be.

This passage was written during a time when the Israelites, God’s chosen people, were living in exile. They were surrounded by enemy nations, and hope was hard to find. God tells his people that there will be hope for them. There is encouragement, reassurance, and love for all who call on the name of Jesus. That is what we yearn for today.

God’s one and only Son, Jesus Christ, died on the cross for our sins. He comforted us from that death by rising again on the third day. His resurrection power gives us the strength to face our enemies and not be afraid. Knowing that God will help us is a great demonstration of his love for us. He loves us so much that he gives us salvation through Jesus. Having a Savior who loves his creation is a wonderful feeling of comfort and joy.

This week, meditate on the fact that God, the almighty creator of the universe, is holding your right hand. Take comfort in knowing that he loves you and wants to take care of you.