Shaking hands is a habit that began hundreds of years ago. When traveling, most carried weapons for protection, a sword, a spear, a club. Typically these were carried in the right hand. When a stranger approached, potential danger was assumed. To clasp right hands with someone meant that neither of you were armed. It was a measure of trust.
My 16 year old and I took a long walk several nights ago. She was too restless to sleep. As we walked, I grabbed her hand and we walked for a long time hand in hand. Talking, laughing, sharing things from her day. Every once in a while, one of us would release the other’s hands to point at something or make a gesture. Always, her hand would seek mine again as we continued our walk.
In Psalm 73, the writer is complaining to God about his enemies. Finally, he comes to his senses and realizes what he has been doing.
“I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you,’ he says. What a jerk I’ve been!
One version says “I was totally ignorant, a dumb ox…” What was I thinking!
Then he continues,
“Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.” Psalm 73: 22-23
Did you notice? He said his RIGHT hand! God wants us to rely solely on Him. He wants to be the protector. He wants us to trust Him enough to lay down our weapons and quit fighting on our own.
Are you ready to trust Him with your RIGHT hand today?
Shared 10/08/09 work devotional