I knew Dad would guide me and keep me safe always whether we were in a store, at a crowded festival, or walking through the church parking lot.

With Dad at over 6’2”, holding hands with the less than 3’ version of me was out of the question. Instead of grabbing my hand, Dad always insisted little me would walk in front of him while he placed his fingertips lightly upon my head to guide me.

I always felts safe with my dad. After all, he had been in my life since the beginning, he seemed calm and intuitive about the future, and he was a great problem solver along the way. Dad was an early example of how God cares for his children and leads us through life.

Psalm 139:5 (NLT) reads, “You [God] go before me and follow me. You place your right hand of blessing on my head.”

You [God] go before me and follow me. You place your right hand of blessing on my head.

~Psalm 139:5 NLT

When we accept and focus on the fact that God walks behind us, we understand there is nothing in our past that has surprised him. The enemy of our soul fires darts at us filled with the shame, guilt, and regrets. But God has been there since our beginning and He already knows all of it. And, He loves us still.

With God going before us, we will never face anything in our future that will catch Him off guard. Every trial, our frequent frustrations, and painful heartaches, may come to us but through Father God’s love He will see us through. Worrying about our future, and the futures of those we love, is unnecessary. Rather than spending time and energy worrying about the challenge, picture Almighty God walking three to four steps ahead of you, and maybe less, on those more trying days.

According to the Psalmist, God’s “right hand” blesses me. The right hand is known as the strong hand–the hand that represents power and authority. His hand on our head shows His nearness and concern in our present time, and His desire to lead us on the path He has planned for us. His right hand rests lightly upon my head just like my dad’s light fingertips did so many years ago.

Dad’s hand on my head made me more confident and less afraid. I felt safe even when I didn’t know the plan, or exactly where we were going. I knew everything would be okay because Dad was capable and in charge.

I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.

~Hebrews 13:5b NLT

Everything changes when we realize how closely God stays with us. He has our past covered, nothing in our future will surprise Him, and His hand leads and blesses us through our current circumstances. We can rest assured, especially when we couple that Psalm with the awesome promise we find in Hebrews 13:5b (NLT), which reads, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.”

Friend, your Heavenly Father has a future for you. Trust Him to guide you into it, and through any problems that may come along the way. Your heavenly Father secures your past, protects your future, and leads you through your present days.

Share an experience where you were sure Father God was guiding you.

Heavenly Father, may I be sensitive to Your leading through everything I face today. Thank You for guiding me every day.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2021: My Father’s Guiding Hand: Cynthia Mendenhall: All Rights Reserved