Tiny Hands

I gently stroked my newborn’s tiny fingers and his expressive hands as he nestled contentedly in my arms.

How I marveled at this tiny creation. I reminisced about my own childhood and how I loved to tuck my hand into my Pappy’s massive hand. It snuggled into safety there. Through the generations, hands link to pass love to the next in line. How would the hands of my child leave an imprint on this world?

The Lord upholds him with his hand.

~Psalm 37:24 NIV

Aging Hands

I held my grandmother’s aging hands. The paper-thin skin felt velvety against mine and crimpled at the slightest touch. I wondered at the many meals prepared, letters written, and brows soothed with these hands. I pulled out my nail polish and began painting her nails while my pre-teen daughter watched. Unknowingly, she was learning to honor the elderly in caring ways.

I trust in you, Lord; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in your hands.

~Psalm 31:14-15 NIV

Graceful Hands

The audience hushed when the conductor raised his hands. The baton poised and fingers alert, he glanced at the section leaders. His arms came down with the beat and raised to the next. The graceful movements of the maestro’s hands brought a crescendo here and a pause there and then guided the cadence of the orchestra.

Powerful Hands

What do all of these hands have in common? We are made in the image of a creative God. He carved tree branches and painted glowing sunsets. He flung the stars into place and blew breath into the souls of His creation. Habakkuk 3:4 says there is power hidden in God’s hand. We also have power in our hands—power to nurture or hurt, power to create or destroy. We have the power to choose how we use the hands we have to serve or dismiss.

Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.

~Ecclesiastes 9:10 NIV

God’s Hands

Jesus chose to surrender His hands to the cross for us. Psalm 22:16 says they were pierced, punctured, impaled, bored, or drilled. Those same hands knock on the door of my heart and ask to be invited in. They pick me up when I fall and choose me time and again. God’s hands lovingly guide me and offer comfort. I settle into safety and look into the eyes of the One who adores His creation. I am at home there.

I have engraved you on the palms of my hands.

~Isaiah 49:16 NIV

What will you do with your hands?

Father, thank You for Your desire to lead me. Your hands lovingly guide me, and I know Your plan for me is beautiful. I trust You.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2024: Expressive Hands: Sally Ferguson: All Rights Reserved