Engraved On The Palms Of His Hands

Have you ever had a child who refused to be put down? You know, you begin to disentangle their legs from around your hips as you gently lower them to the floor, and they’re scrambling to wrap their legs around you. While you hold their armpits, their hands are holding firmly to your shirt, your sleeve. Like a python, somehow they can encircle you faster than you can get them to the ground!

Most of my children preferred my hip to any other place in the world for a season of time, and they were most content chattering in my ear, resting heart to heart, attached to my side. Two of my children would take my chin in their hands and pivot my face to look them in the eye at all times while they relayed what was on their heart.

From that secure height, even my most shy child would smile, reach a hand out to give a high five, or talk animatedly to others. The knowledge of position calmed the anxiety of new places, new people, new experiences. Held securely, they could engage confidently.

Do you know you are held? I think I need to remember this truth during this Christmas season. Not held resignedly like perhaps I have kept my fussy children. No, You and I are held securely, purposefully, with His full attention and full protection. No one can snatch his sheep out of His hand. (John 10:28)

While the world scrambles to assure themselves of safety, you and I can rest. His arms hold you fast. He doesn’t grow weary in the carrying.

As for me, I am poor and needy, but the Lord takes thought for me. ~Psalm 40:17

His ear listens to every word spoken aloud or silently cried. Do we know we have His attention? Do we realize our heart beats against His as He holds us tightly? His heart aches when we ache; He rejoices when we rejoice.

The security this season is found in who He is, our Hiding Place.

So, in the middle of this season of unknown, you and I are known. We are engraved on the palm of His hand. In ancient times, the servant had the master’s name written on his hand, signifying ownership or debt. But God has taken your name and mine, your image and mine, and inscribed them on His palm. God looks at His Son, our image carved on His hands, and extends the deep wellsprings of His grace. His love cascades over the dried rivulets of my soul and yours. He remembers us.

Often I foolishly reverse this truth, moving my position from object to subject. Suddenly I must remember God, recenter, refocus on His promises. He never forgets His covenant promise.

What Spurgeon once said explodes with hope in this season of confusion, “Jesus can give nothing, He can take nothing, He can do nothing, He can hold nothing, without remembering you.” He has always had you and me on His mind -- His hands prove it.

Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me. ~ Isaiah 49:16

Photo Credit: Stephen VanLoy