WHEN TWO HANDS ARE BETTER THAN ONE

I glanced over at my son and my niece during Sunday morning worship and what they were doing made my heart skip a beat.

After a horrific car crash my niece escaped with her life and a broken arm, a very significant break, but it could have been so much worse. God indeed had angels encamped round about her. We are so thankful she is going to be okay.

During worship as everyone began clapping hands, my niece Hannah only had one hand with her other in a cast. I glanced over and they each held one hand out and together they clapped their hands in worship. It reminded me of the scripture in Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NIV) Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.

Oh how many times I’ve fallen and needed help getting up. And no, I don’t wear a medic alert necklace although that may be a good idea.

My family is very close. We’ll feed each other, help wash the other’s hair as in my niece’s case right now, make each other laugh, and pray for each other. But mostly we’re just there for each other. Even if we sit and don’t speak, we’re there, present, helping each other up when we fall down.

Sometimes we give space, sometimes we invade space, according to our need at the time. Above all, we love one another. Galatians 6:2 (NIV) Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Even as much as we love someone we can still fail them at times. But God will never fail us. Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV) The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.

We have a burden bearer and His name is Jesus. When we are overwhelmed we can go to the one who is greater than our circumstances. We need only to call on Him and He will meet us right where we are. Psalm 46:1 (NIV) God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

Thank you Lord for the gift of salvation, thank you for bearing our burdens!

Psalm 68:19 (NIV) Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.