Hold thou my hand! so weak I am, and helpless,
I dare not take one step without thy aid;
Hold thou my hand! for then, O loving Saviour,
No dread of ill shall make my soul afraid.
Hold thou my hand! and closer, closer draw me
To thy dear self, my hope, my joy, my all;
Hold thou my hand, lest haply I should wander,
And, missing thee, my trembling feet should fall.
Hold thou my hand! the way is dark before me
Without the sunlight of thy face divine;
But when by faith I catch its radiant glory,
What heights of joy, what rapturous songs are mine.
Hold thou my hand! that when I reach the margin
Of that lone river thou didst cross for me,
A heavenly light may flash across its waters,
And every wave like crystal bright shall be.
Fanny Crosby, 1879
Read Isaiah 42:5-9
Think of the times you have taken another’s hand, whether a child, a spouse, or another loved one. It signals love, guidance, support, comfort, protection, resolve, or solidarity, among other things. Now consider this hymn where the writer calls out for the reassurance of God’s guiding hand. Then in Isaiah, God confirms He is there to take our hand. We have a great God, worthy of our worship!