“Who do you have with you there Carl?” A question I remember hearing over and over as a little girl standing by my daddy’s side. My dad without hesitation would always reply as he pulled me close, “this is my right hand.” With that simple response my dad made me feel so loved, secure and important to him. Even as a small child incapable of comprehending all he meant by his response; I knew in my heart it must be a good thing because he said it with pride, a smile and a loving touch.

As an adult I’ve thought many times about my dad’s description of me and how with that one phrase he said so much about his feelings for me. “My right hand” expressed so clearly how much he loved me and how he saw me as a part of himself—a very important part.

Not that long ago while reading a passage of scripture—a passage I had read many, many times before— the phrase “right hand” sent a jolt to my spirit. How could I have missed this before? Why had I not recognized this beautiful analogy of the right hand of God before now?

Both Old and New Testament scriptures speak of God’s righteous right hand. The Lord tells us not to be fearful and promises to “strengthen us and uphold us with His righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10) and He is our God who “will take hold of our right hand” (Isaiah 41:13). Isn’t it incredible that the God of the universe promises to hold on to our right hand with His righteous right hand! God reminds us in scripture that He is our Father who protects us and helps us each day. He has a plan for our lives (Jeremiah 29:11) and we are not to live in fear of what lies ahead but instead we are to take hold of His righteous right hand and never let go. What a comforting thought to be hand-in-hand with our Lord.

God called my daddy home to heaven when I was only twelve years old. The next twelve years of my life were filled with poor choices driven by fear and loneliness. By the time I was twenty-three I believed my life was ruined and that I would never overcome the choices I had made. I believed I was completely useless to God. I simply couldn’t see how a Holy God could use someone as broken as myself. It was at this lowest point in my life the Holy Spirit opened my eyes to a truth that changed my direction forever. One afternoon in complete despair I walked out into a meadow by my house, sat down under a tree and began sobbing uncontrollably. I kept telling myself if my dad was alive things would be different. If my dad was alive he would protect me. I desperately longed to feel my dad’s arms around me, to have him take my hand and tell me he would take care of me and that he loved me no matter what I’d done. In that moment, as clear as if someone was standing next to me, I heard Christ say “child, you do have a Father and I am Him. I will protect you and take care of you no matter what you’ve done and nothing you can ever do will change my love for you.”

I can’t say from that day forward all my choices have been Godly ones because they have not. Nor did I eradicate fear and anxiety from my mind that afternoon never to deal with it again. And sometimes I still battle the enemy over my now distant past (and recent mistakes) as he tries to convince me that my past defines my present—a lie from the pit. I can’t proclaim my indiscretions happened prior to becoming a Christian because they did not—I accepted Christ as my Savior at the age of ten. However, I can say this— the Lord held out his righteous right hand that afternoon and thankfully, I reached out and grabbed hold. God saw my despair and comforted me as only He could. My earthly dad was gone but my Heavenly Father was right there by my side night and day, holding my hand and leading me each step of the way. I wasn’t alone. I was loved, I was forgiven and I was redeemed.

Beloved, our Heavenly Father desires an intimate relationship with us regardless of where we’ve been or what we’ve done. There is hope and healing in Christ! God stands ready with an outreached hand waiting for us to take hold. He loves and accepts us just as we are; where we are. He is ready to declare each of us as his own son or daughter.

Don’t let your past mistakes define and direct your tomorrows. Whether you are young or old it doesn’t matter. Give God your right hand; feel Him grab hold and don’t ever, ever let go.

C. Deni Johnson