I Will Hold Your Right Hand

Last night, New Year’s Eve, I experienced a spiritually high evening in Zion. Our church family gathered to reflect on the blessings of the old year and welcome and celebrate the new year with a Communion service. My handbell choir played two songs. It was evident from the response that the music blessed the congregation. To God we give all glory!

The pastor shared a profound message before we separated for the ordinance of humility, where we washed one another’s feet and prayed with one another. The retired pastors, along with current pastors and elders, walked down the middle aisle of the beautifully decorated sanctuary holding lit red candles. The atmosphere was heavenly. Surely, the presence of God was in the place. After the Communion service, a visiting choral group, Heaven’s Song, presented an inspiring and heart-warming concert. The music and words deeply ministered to us.

One of the singers shared her personal testimony of God’s healing. She mentioned that two years ago, she had been diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Such heart-shattering news can have a devastating and debilitating effect on a person, but God was with her in her dark valley experience and upheld and restored her body. She stated that people from around the world prayed for her and how the prayers of the saints encouraged and strengthened her during her painful journey. From this awful experience has come a profound testimony that ministered to and touched the hearts of our church family. She encouraged us to trust God and not be afraid, to trust Him because His promises are sure and true. He will hold your right hand and will never leave you nor forsake you. We can count on Him to be with us through every dark valley.

As we begin this new year, we don’t know what the future holds for our families or us. No one is exempt from heartache and pain, sickness or suffering. Yet we pray that whatever comes our way, we will remain unwavering and unmovable as we hold tenaciously to the strong arms of our loving heavenly Father and claim this precious promise: “For I, the LORD your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you’ ” (Isaiah 41:13, NKJV).

 Shirley C. Iheanacho