Hands-On
Parents and kids. Together, we’re pretty handy.
When our children were small, we led them by the hand—to the grocery store, Target, or wherever the to-do list took us.
We held their hand for safety—across streets, parking lots, and through the mall.
As they grew older, a firm hand on the back steered them between people and around obstacles.
A hand on the shoulder, usually coupled with words of advice and warning, came before the first date or the first solo drive.
A hand giving a squeeze sought to give comfort after a big loss on the field and the first broken heart.
Or just to say I love you.
Psalm 139 shows us that God is a hands-on parent too:
“ . . . you have laid your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go 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 139:5b-10)
I agree with verse 6: “Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, . . .”
Questions:
What positive memories do you have of your parents’ or grandparents’ hands?
In what positive ways do you use your hands?
Bette Midler sings a song about God watching us from a distance. Do you think this is true? Why? Compare this song with Psalm 139.
Why do you think God chooses to be hands-on?
Can you think of a time when you sensed God’s hand on you? (Parents, can you testify to a time when God’s hand was on your child? Share this with them.)
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