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?”
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.
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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
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.