Poetry has a powerful way of making you pause to reflect. It forces you to slow down and think about what you read, say, or sing. It leaves you asking, “What does that mean?” Although, sometimes it leaves you saying through tears, “I felt that.” That’s the beauty of poetry. 

Take this snippet from Psalm 139 for example:

“If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me” (Ps. 139:9-10). 

The idea of God’s hand being present is powerful and comforting. God led Israel by the hand like a little child (Hosea 11). God wants to lead all of us by our hand as dear children (Eph. 5:1-2). 

Our hymnbook connects Psalm 139:10 to the song, “Take My Hand, Precious Lord.” The song and the Psalm have brought me much comfort through the years. I have sung this song and reflected on its message at every critical blow in my adult life. When I experienced heartache at its deepest level, I sang this song. When feeling let down and abandoned, I again sang this song. It has been an anthem of my pain and heartache, and at the same time, it has been my constant reminder. 

Humanity might let go of your hand but God will hold you tightly so long as you hold Him tightly. “Precious Lord, take my hand, lead me on, let me stand, I am tired, I am weak, I am worn; thru the storm, thru the night, lead me on to the light; take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home” (Thomas A. Dorsey, 1938). 

The storms of life will leave you beaten, battered, and feeling alone, but God remains ever-present and willing to hold your hand.