Yesterday, as I sat on my back patio reading some scripture, I read the most comforting words that reminded me that I am still a child..a child of God..The passage spoke to my heart in such a personal way.    It was a beautiful day; sunny and warm (well, actually it was hot if we want to get technical.  Somehow “sunny and warm” paints a rosier picture, doesn’t it??)  The breezes were gentle at times, and then in an instant, were forcefully sweeping through the trees…I was enjoying our little bird friends playing and singing, as they dipped down periodically to nibble on seeds in their bird feeder. 
I had been praying earlier that morning for some very specific things that have been on my heart.  I began my reading in Isaiah 41 for some reason (coincidence?  I think not.  I don’t believe in coincidences).   Suddenly, I was gripped by the words speaking right to me:
   “I have chosen you and have not rejected you.  So do not fear, for I am with you; do not
    be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with
    my righteous right hand.  All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced;
    those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish.  Though you search for your enemies,
    you will not find them.  Those who wage war against you will be as nothing at all. 
    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: 9b-13That was so cool and I especially love the part where it says “I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you; Do not fear; I will help you.”  Wow, my Heavenly Dad has got my right hand in His..
Can’t you just picture that?  Like when we’ve taken hold of our kid’s small hand, swung them around and looked them in the eyes to get their attention? 
So then it really got me thinking about what exactly is the significance of the “right hand”?  Well, here’s what I found..The right hand signifies power and strength as told in Psalm 63:8; Distinction and favor as told in Genesis 48:13-19; Honor and a place of honor as told in Psalm 45:9.  There are many other references to the right hand.
I knew “the right hand of God” was an important place to be since that is where Jesus Christ is seated.  I also had read about blessings being bestowed using the right hand, etc., but this scripture was talking about MY right hand.  I am right-handed so I’d have a rough time without it, but to think that God actually “takes hold” of my right hand?  Well, that puts a whole ‘nother meaning to this five-fingered appendage I use to brush my teeth every day. 
Now some might say well, that scripture was God talking to Cyrus back in “Bible Times”, not to us “today”…and I say, God speaks to us, treats us the same, and has the same message for us as He has or had for anyone else He has created in His image.. 
So next time you are anxious, feeling fearful, or just need some spiritual strength and encouragement…hold up your right hand and allow your living God to take hold of it…