Nevertheless I am continually with You;
You have taken hold of my right hand.
With Your counsel You will guide me,
And afterward receive me to glory.

Whom have I in heaven but You?
And besides You, I desire nothing on earth.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

But as for me, the nearness of God is my good;
I have made the Lord God my refuge,
That I may tell of all Your works.                Psalm 73:23-26, 28

Even in our habitual rebellion and earth-loving insanity, our Father God understands us, loves us, and redeems us.  He holds our hand, counsels us, and guides us.  And, after this life, He receives us to glory! 

This personal, Fatherly attention is heart-warming and comforting.  Normal life can be dangerous and frightening.  What encouragement it is to feel His steadying hand on the seat of our bicycle as we attempt to pedal our way through life!      The steps of a man are established by the Lord,
And He delights in his way.
  When he falls, he will not be hurled headlong,
Because the Lord is the One who holds his hand.       Psalm 37:23-24

We will fall!  That is expected.  But we have a tender Shepherd who will pick us up, comfort us, and carry us, until we have the confidence to try riding again.

Like a shepherd He will tend His flock,
In His arm He will gather the lambs
And carry them in His bosom;
He will gently lead the nursing ewes.               Isaiah 40:11

It is an astonishing reassurance that our position safely in His hands is permanent and secure.  Thank You, dear Lord, for protecting, leading, counseling, and carrying me in this often intimidating journey You have assigned me.

My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.     John 10:28-30