Thoughts for Life: A HAND TO HOLD

Lauri Lemke Thompson

I felt unsettled as nurses flurried about and prepped me for surgery. The procedure I would undergo concerned me because it would be performed under conscious sedation rather than general anesthesia. I needed a hand to hold.

I was told the sedative would relax me and block pain but that I would be awake and able to respond to verbal communication. It was that “being awake” part that unnerved me.

A young man checked my IV before surgery and said, “Okay, now hold my hand, and if anything hurts, squeeze my hand.” I never needed to squeeze that hand, but the knowledge that I could make all the difference. I found it reassuring that I could squeeze that soft, warm flesh if I felt pain. If I did, he would ask, “What are you feeling?”

Holding his hand gave me a degree of peace throughout the surgery. I told myself, If I squeeze this hand, the doctor will stop and either change something or at least comfort me with words like “This is normal, and all is going well.” Or, even better, “I’m almost done.”

This procedure wasn’t in the hospital. Instead, it happened at a dentist’s office. Dentists typically tell patients, “If you want me to stop, raise your right hand.” This knowledge can halt the process and I can describe what is bothering me, and always eases my mind.

Hopefully, a spouse or good friend encourages us with a gentle hand on our shoulder when we feel down. Without words, they said, I feel for you. I wish I could help more, but I’m here, and I care. This means a lot. Sometimes, the touch of a loving hand communicates more than words.

God’s promise in Isaiah to take hold of our hand applies to any situation you encounter. If you’re going through something that batters you with stress, allow God to take your hand. Squeeze when you’re afraid, and let Him alleviate your fears. That can make all the difference.

"For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, “Do not fear; I will help you." Isaiah 41:13 NIV

Let's pray-

Father, when a nurse flurries about and preps someone for surgery, the patient is doubtful that the procedure will be painless. It's helpful if there's someone who'll hold their hand. A sedative is given to relax the patient and help them to respond to verbal communication when needed.

This procedure may be in a dentist's office. Having knowledge that we can let the dentist know when something is bothering us is helpful. Having someone holding our hand in the process will convey that they feel for us. The touch of a loving hand communicates more than words. We can pray in the name of Jesus, for His help! Amen.

#100 Testimony- Daniel

Chapter nine of the book of Daniel gives us a picture of the truth that faithful prayer warriors are at the front lines making a great contribution in the battle as much as the bold, well-known leaders. They will share equally in the reward.

The mission of the Messianic nation Israel was in Daniel's view. The vision of the future of this nation came to Daniel at the end of a three-week stretch of fasting. During that whole three weeks Daniel was grieving for his people; that is, he poured out his heart in prayer concerning the future of Israel.

At last, the angel came with the message from heaven and shared with Daniel the amazing reason he had taken so long to arrive:

It seems Daniel's prayer was heard in heaven the very day he began to pray and immediately this heavenly messenger was sent out to bring him the answer, but the angel was intercepted. The Living Bible says it this way: (v. 21) "That very day I was sent here to meet you. But for twenty-one days the mighty Evil spirit who overrules the kingdom of Persia blocked my way. Then Michael, one of the top officers of the heavenly army, came to help me, so that I was able to break through these spirit rulers of Persia". (Dan. 10:12-13).

Since God does nothing except in answer to prayer, if Daniel had grown tired and discouraged, God would have had to find someone else to intercede or else allow his angelic messenger to be defeated. Though the answer to his prayer was already given and on its way, if Daniel had given up, it most likely would have never arrived. Therefore, the real battle was fought and the victory won in that place of prayer; the action that really counted was on the riverbank.

1536-1540 One-line Scriptures for those of you who want to learn some more verses this week- or to review them from when they were first posted-

1536- Is. 13:7 "Therefore everyone's hands will become weak, and every man

will lose heart.

1537- Ps. 120:7a "I am for peace."

1538- Is. 19:17b "Because of the counsel of the LORD of hosts, which he

hath determined."

1539- Jer. 51:48a "Then the heaven and the earth, and all that is therein, shall sing."

1540- Acts 3:10a "They were filled with wonder and amazement."

#100 Hymn- More Love to Thee, O Christ

The information about this song, is taken from the book by Robert J. Morgan, THEN SINGS MY SOUL (pg. 133)

Elizabeth Payson was born in Portland, Maine, on October 26, 1818. Her father, Edward Payson, was a famous Congregational minister, so revered that a thousand children were reportedly named for him. His writings and sermons are popular to this day.

In 1845, Elizabeth, a school teacher at the time, married a Presbyterian minister, George Lewis Prentiss, and the couple moved to New York where George began teaching at Union Theological Seminary. Elizabeth enjoyed writing, but her health, however, was frail, and she suffered chronic insomnia.

One day in 1856, following the deaths of two of her children, her health faltered and anxiety overwhelmed her. Inspired by the hymn "Nearer My God, to Thee," Elizabeth worked on a poem-prayer to the Lord, "More Love to Thee, O Christ". The words came easily at first, but by the end her creative energy evaporated, and she left the poem unfinished.

13 years later, while rummaging through a stack of old papers, Elizabeth found this unfinished poem. As she re-read it, it didn't impress her as being very good. But when George insisted she finish it, she dutifully sribbled an ending in pencil. He printed a few copies, one of which landed on the desk of musician William Howard Doane in Cincinnati, who set the verses to music and published it in his Songs of Devotion, as, "More Love To Thee, O Christ."

Some encouraging words-

Even though God could have many reasons for turning us away, He chose to lavishly love us. He went to the lengths of the incarnation, the cross, and the empty tomb so we can be with Him beyond time in an eternity that opens before us here and now.

Church Notes:

We're to seek the presence of God daily, like a deer panting for water. He was present in the Hebrew temple and longs to reside in believers today. He is a relational God, and cares about large and small matters. His Presence can bring fullness of joy.

There are a lot of things that can separate us from God. Sin in our lives hinders any presence, but our seeking His forgiveness and help can make the difference. Our main need is to become thirsty for God. Yesterday's experiences may have lit a fire, but let's seek more of Him today by preparing our hearts so His love will flow in and through us. He wants us to know His Presence! There's nothing that satisfies, but Him!

Upcoming posts:

8/30th- FINDING REST FROM CONTROL- Matt Holmes

9/6th- WORTHY OF ALL PRAISE- Bill Crowder

13th- GETTING BACK UP- Nancy Gavilanes