Putting Your Hand in the Lords

by Lychelle Whiteley

Our bodies have been divinely created and have many marvelous capabilities and intricate parts. One such body part that has acquired significance and symbolism is the human hand. As I did some research I learned that the word hand translated into Hebrew is ‘yad’, which is also used metaphorically to mean power, strength, and might. Thus, hands signify power and strength. 1

This knowledge gives more meaning to the words of Mormon in chapter 5:23. “Know ye not that ye are in the hands of God? Know ye not that he hath all power?”
“To be in the hands of God would suggest that we are not only under His watchful care but also that we are guarded and protected by His wondrous power.” 2

When I think of Gods love for us and willingness to teach us I think it compares to the love that a parent feels for a child. It is not uncommon to be in some public place where a small child clings to their mother or father. When strangers are present or circumstances are new they knowingly search out an adults hand as a form of security. They put their trust entirely in their parent to guide and protect them.

We all need points of reference and models to follow. Though it may be less than obvious to some, I think that children provide us with one of the best examples when attempting to put our hand in the Lords.

A delightful song that little children sing so beautifully shows their desire for patience as well as their desire to learn and to serve:
“I have two little hands folded snugly and tight, They are tiny and weak yet they know what is right, During all the long hours till daylight is through, There is plenty indeed for my two hands to do.
“Kind Father I thank thee for two little hands, And ask thee to bless them till each understands That children can only be happy all day When two little hands have learned how to obey.” 3

These lyrics are so beautiful, yet I would like to add by referring to the account where the disciples came unto Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?
“And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,
“And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
“And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.” 4
I love to spend time with my many nieces and nephews and over this last Christmas break I was able to play with my sister’s kids. She has four kids ages 6, 5, 2 and 1. The second oldest, Lanse, was ecstatic when, for Christmas, he received a brand new Lego set. It was an all black tumbler from batman. However, the set was much to complex for a five year-old to complete on his own, so he and his mother set out on the task together.

The set came with a packet of directions with a series of progressing diagrams. As they started collecting the legos specified to start their masterpiece, Lanse was quick to notice that the legos needed did not look like the end product at all. He said, “wait… wait… we can’t put the blue and yellow ones on… look at the picture.” The picture was indeed all black. My sister tried to explain that even though you don’t see any yellow or blue, you still have to start with these colorful legos to end up with what was demonstrated by the picture. Lanse still had a hard time with this, but after his mother asked him to trust her, he did so willingly.

I feel that we could learn from Lanse’s meekness and willingness to obey. He could not see how the steps along the way contributed to the end product, yet he was willing to submit to what the instructions directed instead of doing it his way.

God has a plan for us and wants us to return to Him, but it is impossible for us to know how the trials and challenges we face are ultimately shaping us into the end product that God wants us to be.

All of our challenges will be different and will address us individually. By putting faith in the Lord we are able to overcome challenges; which is made possible by another who was perfect enough to lead the way.

In November of 2003, Monson gave a talk in general conference titled “The Bridge Builder”. He had read a book that provided an account of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark’s journey across the North American continent to discover a route to the Pacific Ocean. He thought how different their journey would have been “if only there were modern bridges to span the gorges and raging waters.” 5

Our life here on earth can be viewed similarly. We are all travelers and explorers of mortality, and do not have the benefit of previous personal experience. We must pass through uncontrollable waters and steep cliffs in our earthly journey. President Monson shared a poem by Will Allen Dromgoole that I would like to share with you.
An old man, going a lone highway, Came at the evening, cold and gray, To a chasm, vast and deep and wide, Through which was flowing a sullen tide. The old man crossed in the twilight dim; The sullen stream had no fears for him; But he turned when safe on the other side And built a bridge to span the tide.
“Old man,” said a fellow pilgrim near, “You are wasting strength with building here; Your journey will end with the ending day; You never again must pass this way; You have crossed the chasm, deep and wide— Why build you the bridge at the eventide?”
The builder lifted his old gray head: “Good friend, in the path I have come,” he said, “There followeth after me today A youth whose feet must pass this way. This chasm that has been naught to me To that fair-haired youth may a pitfall be. He, too, must cross in the twilight dim; Good friend, I am building the bridge for him.” 5

This poem provides a comforting message. Even more so, when I consider our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, as the architect and builder of bridges for you, me, and all mankind.
Knowing that we would be faced with dangers and difficulties Christ declared: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” 5

President Monson said, “Jesus provided the Bridge of Obedience. He was an unfailing example of personal obedience as He kept the commandments of His Father.” 5 When we put our hands in the Lord, we are crossing the bridge of obedience that Christ has built for us with His very own hands.

Christ’s hands are symbolic and perfectly fit the description of power and strength. In 1973 President Monson speaks of the hand of the Christ:
“This was the determined hand which drove from the temple the money changers. This was the loving hand that blessed little children. This was the strong hand that opened deaf ears and restored vision to sightless eyes. By this hand was the leper cleansed, the lame man healed—even the dead Lazarus raised to life. With the finger of this hand there was written in the sand that message which the winds did erase but which honest hearts did retain. The hand of the carpenter. The hand of the teacher. The hand of the Christ.” 5

One of my favorite parts in hymn 193:
“I think of his hands pierced and bleeding to pay the debt! Such mercy, such love, and devotion can I forget? … Oh, it is wonderful that he should care for me enough to die for me! Oh, it is wonderful, wonderful to me!”

I truly believe the words of Elder W. Craig Zwick when he said, “Every one of us needs to know that we can go on in the strength of the Lord. We can put our hand in His, and we will feel His sustaining presence lift us to heights unattainable alone.” 2

1: William Wilson, Old Testament Word Studies [1978], 205.
2: Elder W. Craig Zwick, Of the Seventy. The Lord Thy God Will Hold Thy Hand
3: Children’s Songbook, no. 272
4: Matt. 18:1–3, 5
5: President Thomas S. Monson, The Bridge Builder