Nougat 21

One of the things I used to love as a child was walking a toddler and occasionally lifting them at intervals during the walk. Was it called ‘puddle jumping’, or something like that? I vaguely recall it being done to me and I had found it great fun. Even if there was no puddle.

Years later I also realized that it was also a lesson in trust – the toddler had to believe we would NOT aloe harm to come their way for the game to be really fun. Otherwise it could be scary.

When life DOES get scary, where and to whom do we turn? Consider today’s Holy Nougat

“I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand and say to you, ‘Don’t be afraid; I will help you.’” Isaiah‬ ‭41:13‬ ‭GW‬‬

It is my prayer that whether we have played the lifting game or not, we have learned to put our trust in God. So much so that we willingly put our hands in God’s, especially when life’s puddles come our way.

The blessed assurance offered us in the nougat is that God Who is our Creator will hold and help us along the way. That’s even greater than puddle jumping! For this was a promise to the Israelites in their season of testing. They are assured of God’s attributes, and of their chosen status and of God’s guaranteed protection from harm.

Guaranteed, as the upholding is repeated (it occurs two verses prior) for emphasis and also signifies God’s power. (I have noted before that any concept that is repeated is intended to underscore a point and possibly for internalizing).

We also note that we are held by/in God’s Right hand. In those days, one’s right side denoted power, leadership and strength. Thus, being upheld by the right hand of God Almighty meant all is well. The strength of creator God is guaranteed to rescue Israel from distress.

One might argue, and rightfully so, that if this applied to Israel during the Exile it doesn’t apply to us ‘Gentiles’ now. But, in engaging that school of thought, we would be ignoring our adoption and thus our legitimacy as sons and daughters of God. We have equal access as heirs to ALL God’s promises. Moreover, the promises of God are eternal, they never fail. Like God’s Love, they are ‘new every morning’! How about that!

So whether we’re facing real puddles or building our Faith, I pray we find Joy with God, Who upholds us with guaranteed strength, power and might

That’s better than money in the bank.

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May all we seek be found in Christ