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I felt unsettled as nurses flurried about and prepped me for surgery. The procedure I would undergo concerned me because it would be performed under conscious sedation rather than general anesthesia. I needed a hand to hold. 

I was told the sedative would relax me and block pain but that I would be awake and able to respond to verbal communication. It was that “being awake” part that unnerved me.

A young man checked my IV before surgery and said, “Okay, now hold my hand, and if anything hurts, squeeze my hand.” I never needed to squeeze that hand, but the knowledge that I could made all the difference. I found it reassuring that I could squeeze that soft, warm flesh if I felt pain. If I did, he would ask, “What are you feeling?”

Holding his hand gave me a degree of peace throughout the surgery. I told myself, If I squeeze this hand, the doctor will stop and either change something or at least comfort me with words like “This is normal, and all is going well.” Or, even better, “I’m almost done.”

This procedure wasn’t in the hospital. Instead, it happened at a dentist’s office. Dentists typically tell patients, “If you want me to stop, raise your right hand.” The knowledge that I can halt the process and describe what is bothering me always eases my mind.

Hopefully, a spouse or good friend encourages us with a gentle hand on our shoulder when we feel down. Without words, they said, I feel for you. I wish I could help more, but I’m here, and I care. Those words mean a lot. Sometimes, the touch of a loving hand communicates more than words.

God’s promise in Isaiah to take hold of our hand applies to any situation you encounter. If you’re going through something that batters you with stress, allow God to take your hand. Squeeze when you’re afraid, and let Him alleviate your fears. That can make all the difference.