I was walking home from the store the other night with my son. It was one of those real Scottish storms—rain coming sideways, wind pushing against us every step. My boy doesn’t talk much with words; he’s autistic and non-verbal. But he talks with his hand. As soon as we stepped out into that weather, he reached up and grabbed mine and held on tight. I led the way, he held on, and together we made it through the rain and the wind all the way home.

You know, that little moment stayed with me, as I silently said to the Lord thankyou. There wasn’t any big conversation. No fancy words. Just a son trusting his dad enough to hold on while the storm did its worst. And the Lord used it to remind me of something He keeps showing us all through the Bible about how He leads His own children.

In Isaiah 41:13 the Lord says it so plainly:

“For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand,

Saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’”

He doesn’t just stand off in the distance and shout directions. He takes hold of our hand and says, “Don’t be afraid. I’m right here to help you.” That’s the same simple trust my son showed that night—reaching for the one he knows will get him through.

Moses reminded the children of Israel of that same care in Deuteronomy 1:31:

“and in the wilderness where you saw how the Lord your God carried you, as a man carries his son, in all the way that you went until you came to this place.”

God carried them the way a father carries his boy—close, steady, all the way. Not from afar. Not with a list of instructions left behind. He was right there with them, bearing them through the long, hard wilderness. That picture of a man carrying his son is so tender and so strong at the same time. It’s exactly how our Heavenly Father treats those who belong to Him.

Asaph knew this same comfort as we read in Psalm 73:23-24 he wrote:

“Nevertheless I am continually with You;

You hold me by my right hand.

You will guide me with Your counsel,

And afterward receive me to glory.”

You know, Asaph was one of the men David set apart to lead the people in worship before the Ark. He was a Levite, a worship leader, a man who knew the songs of praise and how to stand before the Lord. He was faithful. He loved the Lord. But there came a time when his heart grew heavy and he couldn’t see the goodness of God anymore. He looked around and saw the wicked prospering while the righteous suffered, and it nearly wrecked his faith. He almost turned away. Then he went into the sanctuary of God, and there the Lord opened his eyes. He saw the end of those who live far from God, and he remembered that the Lord Himself was his portion forever. The dilemma every one of us faces is right there in Asaph’s story, and the eternal answer is God Himself.

Even when life feels like sideways rain and pushing wind, the Lord’s hand is on ours. He guides us with His counsel—>through His Word, through His Spirit—>and He brings us all the way home to glory.

We read Hosea 11:3-4 the Prophet gives us another beautiful glimpse into the Father’s heart:

“I taught Ephraim to walk,

Taking them by their arms;

…I drew them with gentle cords,

With bands of love…

I stooped and fed them.”

Hosea chapter 11 is one of those places where you see both the anger and the deep compassion of God side by side. God’s faithful love and Israel’s stubborn turning away crash right into each other. It’s hard to understand how anyone could turn from a love like that—until you remember that we are so much like Israel. Look at the picture the Lord paints: He stooped down. He took them by the arms. He drew them with bands of love. That’s not the picture of a distant God barking out orders. That’s the picture of a Father who comes close, who is patient with our stumbling, and who feeds and strengthens us as we learn to walk.

My son may not have many words for what he feels, he lives in his autism world, but that grip said everything: “I trust you. Lead me. I’m holding on.” And in that quiet moment the Lord was reminding me how He leads both of us—gently, firmly, all the way through whatever weather comes.

If you’re a parent walking a hard road with a child who needs extra help, take heart,  my friend. You know the same Father who takes you by the hand is also the One who teaches you how to lead. You don’t have to have perfect words or perfect strength. You just keep walking, holding the hand He has given you, and trusting that He is holding yours.

The storms will come. The rain will sometimes drive sideways. But the hand that holds yours is sure, and the home He is leading you toward is certain.

“He will feed His flock like a shepherd;

He will gather the lambs with His arm,

And carry them in His bosom,

And gently lead those who are with young.”

(Isaiah 40:11)

That same mighty arm that defeats the enemy is the arm that gently gathers the lambs and holds them close. He carries His own all the way home.

May the Lord strengthen your grip on His hand, and give you grace to keep leading the ones He has placed in yours.

Peter