Religion column: Put your life into hands of Jesus

I have been holding hands with my husband for many years. Those same hands that carried my books at school took my hands in his and pledged all his love to me on our wedding day. Those same hands held mine at the birth of each son.

Those same hands built our first home; a house filled with many memories … a house of joy, love, laughter and tears. Three lively boys received training and discipline with hands that prayed a lot. When our sons began to leave home, I found strong hands surrounding mine, comforting my tears.

I discovered a wonderful concept early in my teaching career. Holding hands with my students brought confidence and assurance, especially on the first day of school. New situation anxiety disappeared with a smile, a hug, a pat on the back and the clasp of a little chubby hand.

Holding my husband's hands give me the same feeling. Like the children, I feel safe, secure and loved. When he reaches for my hand in church I think of Jesus' hands, hands that completely enfold mine.

There is something special about hands … a handshake, the clutch of a child's hand, the soft, sweet hand of a newborn baby.

I'm thankful I live in a town of people who have "helping hands." My husband learned the high school handshake when he was principal and he still shakes hands, especially with his ex-students. They still like that handshake. It's a type of friendship.

Aren't we "fearfully and wonderfully made?' I'm so glad God gave us hands … hands to fold in prayer while praying to a loving God who sends daily blessings.

In a battle with the Amalekites, the Israelites prevailed as long as Moses held up his hands. When Moses became weary and dropped his hands to rest, the enemy became overpowering.

"When Moses' hands grew tired they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up…one on one side, one on the other…so that his hands remained steady till sunset. So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword." (Exodus 17:12-13 NIV)

Who of us have not known of the healing hands of Jesus? I remember many prayerful nights rocking little boys with fever and praying for healing. Those same healing hands have been with you and me throughout our lives.

Why is it we hold little babies' hands or sweetheart hands, friends' hands, or anyone's hands? It's because love is in our hands. That love came from the one whose hands were nailed. The most precious hands of all are those nail-scarred hands of Jesus. Without those loving hands, there is no hope for a sin-stained world.

The "Good News" is there is hope. There is love and there is a future for God's child. I have discovered a profound reality in this life. No matter what you see, hear or experience, "the best is always yet to be!" With Jesus, you will see that loved one again and hold their hands again. There will be no more sorrow, pain or heartache. You just can't imagine what it will be like in heaven.

Do you have a heavy burden today? Are you facing problems? Put your life into the hands of Jesus.

Holding hands with Jesus is what life is all about.

Portales resident Joan Clayton is a retired teacher and published author. Her e-mail address is: [email protected]