Not too long ago I took an evening flight to Dallas, ending up in the dreaded middle seat on a crowded airplane.  Flanked by two college-aged women, each plugged into their technology, I decided to join them and listen to an audio book on my iPhone.  Relaxing and enjoying the story line, I didn’t pay much attention to the mild turbulence that we encountered about halfway through the flight.  On a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being “we’re all going to die!”, I’d say we were at a 3 or 4.

Not really bothered by the bumps, I closed my eyes to further enjoy my “reading.”  A few moments later, I felt a tap on my right arm. When I opened my eyes, the young lady next to me in the window seat was gazing at me with fear on her face.  “Will you hold my hand?” she asked  with a hopeful tone.“I really hate turbulence,” she continued, “and it would really help me if you would say, 'yes'.”  My first thought was, “well, this is odd,” but without much hesitancy, I grabbed her hand and told her I would pray.  When the turbulence ended, she let go, thanked me profusely, and went back to her smartphone.  

Closing my eyes and returning to my book, I couldn’t help but ponder this unusual situation. It took courage for her to reach out to me, not knowing if I was a “safe” person, not knowing how I would respond, not knowing if she would be rejected or embarrassed.  She had certainly taken a risk!

This frightened young lady challenged me to think through what I am willing to do in times of fear.  Am I willing to risk rejection?  Am I willing to ask the question, "Will you hold my hand?"  

And then, on day 21 of a "read the Psalms in 31 days" plan, God reminded me of these truths: he will never reject me and he will always hold my hand in times of fear.  In fact, he boldly beckons me to reach out to him whenever I am fearful.   And there is no risk involved!  Consider these gems I have highlighted in my Bible over the past three weeks:  

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“But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. I cried aloud to the Lord, and he answered me from his holy hill.” Psalm 3: 3 - 4, ESV

“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” Psalm 18: 2, ESV

“How precious is your steadfast love, O God!  The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings.” Psalm 37:7, NLT

“I cling to you; your strong right hand holds me securely.” Psalm 63:8, NLT

“Praise God, who did not ignore my prayer or withdraw his unfailing love from me.” Psalm 66:20, NLT

“Praise the Lord; praise God our Savior! For each day he carries us in his arms.” Psalm 68:19, NLT

“Our God is a God who saves!  The Sovereign LORD rescues us from death.” Psalm 68:20

“Answer my prayers, O LORD, for your unfailing love is wonderful.  Take care of me, for your mercy is plentiful.”  Psalm 69:16, NLT

“You will restore me to even greater honor and comfort me once again.” Psalm 71:21, NLT

“Yet I still belong to you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny.” Psalm 73: 23 -24, NLT

“The LORD says, ‘I will rescue those who love me.  I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them." Psalm 91: 14 -15, NLT

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Isn’t it good to know that when we are fearful, our Lord is ever-present, ever-willing, and ever-capable  of calming the fears brought on by life’s turbulence?  

Are you experiencing fear today?  Maybe you are feeling overwhelmed, or ill-equipped for all that is going on at your center.  Be encouraged!  Unlike the young girl on my bumpy flight, you don’t need to take a risk to find help.  Simply ask the Lord, “will you hold my hand?”  His answer will always be YES.

 Cindy Hopkins is Care Net's Vice President of Center Services & Client Care 

 This post originally appeared on Care Net's private, affiliate-access website.