I asked parents a question on social media not to long ago. The question was, “What do your worry about or fear the most as a parent?”

Here Are The Top 3 Answers:

1. I am afraid my child will get hurt or get really sick.

2. I am afraid my child will be bullied online or in person.

3. I am afraid my child will get off course in life.

I have been asking this question at parenting conferences and to individual parents for about a year now and the three answers above are pretty consistent with most parents.

When it comes to our children we want the absolute best for them. We don’t want them to get hurt, bullied or loose their way. I am with you and I have worried about the same things.

Mary and I lost a child 19 years ago. Our son Cameron has had over 24 surgeries. We know what it’s like and what’s worse, we lost joy in life due to “fearing the worst.”

We usually fear the worst because that’s what fear wants us to do. Fear wants us to assume the worst. Fear encourages worry. Fear promotes stress. Fear can strangle us into submission if we let it.

Fear gives power to uncertainty and our mind often drifts to the “worst case scenario.” It’s not a good way to parent or live life. When we parent out of fear, worry and stress our parenting is off track. I know it’s hard but occasionally, as parents, we need to find rest in uncertainty. We need to find peace that only hope can provide.

Are You In A Parenting Crisis?

We all have fears when it comes to our children and God knows that. Isaiah 40:10 & 13 give us a picture of how God wants us to view Him in the midst of our parenting fears.

(10) Don’t be afraid, because I am with you. Don’t be intimidated; I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will support you with my victorious right hand. (13) I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand and say to you, ‘Don’t be afraid; I will help you. Isaiah 41:10 & 13 GW

The right hand is interesting to me. “I will support you with my victorious right hand.” Why the right hand? Because in scripture…

• The Right Hand Is A Symbol of Strength
• The Right Hand Is A Symbol of Blessing
• The Right Hand Is A Symbol of Ownership
• The Right Hand Is A Symbol of Victory
• The Right Hand Is A Symbol of Wisdom

Now look at verse 13. “I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand and say to you, ‘Don’t be afraid; I will help you.’”

God just said he will uphold us with “HIS” victorious right hand in verse 10. And yes, that’s awesome! Power, strength, victory, it’s all ours, He has our back. Now in verse 13 He says, “I hold your right hand.”

Picture this. You are walking with your spouse or boyfriend or girlfriend around the mall and you are holding their hand with your right hand. If this were true then you would be holding their left hand. Does that make sense?

But God says He holds our right hand. I have to believe, after what He just said in verse 10 about His victorious right hand, that He would reach out to our right hand with His right hand. Yes, His right hand to our right hand. Now, if you can see what this looks like you will understand God’s heart. He’s not only powerful but personal.

For Him to hold our right hand with His right hand He must be looking at us. Looking into our eyes, moving in close, whispering, “I got this.” “I am with you.” I love you.” “Don’t be afraid don’t worry, don’t fret, I will help you.”

Parents, we all know God is powerful but sometimes we miss the personal. Next time you want to worry or you feel that the fear of the future is eroding you happiness today just remember, He has you by your right hand. A powerful God with a personal connection.

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