The Wonder of a Touch

There is something in a touch. I saw an old friend the other day, and when we shook hands, our touch was a reminder to me of our years of life together.

When Denice and I walk, I like to hold her hand. We hold hands at the movies, when we lie in bed; we like to hold hands. I love and need her touch. It speaks volumes to my soul. Our love for each other seems to flow through that touch, strengthening and comforting each.

A Reassuring Touch

I remember a particular incident when I was a child. It was winter, and the flu had been running rampant in our elementary school. Sure enough, I came down with it. In those days, doctors made house calls, so Mom called the doctor. I was in bed with chills and a fever—so weak I was sleeping most of the time.

The sound of my mother’s voice, talking to a man, awakened me. It was our family doctor. Sitting his black bag on the side of the bed, he bent down toward me and asked, “So what’s wrong with you, Steve?” “I don’t feel good, Doctor,” I replied, weakly.

His plump round face broke into a reassuring smile as he said, “Well, let’s just see if we can get you better.” His smile seemed to go all the way to his bald head. For some reason, his being there seemed to make me feel better. As a child, I was somewhat frightened by the sickness that had seemingly taken over my body. His confidence, though, calmed my fears. Opening his doctor’s bag, he pulled out his stethoscope and a thermometer. Placing the thermometer under my tongue, he began his examination. After giving me some medicine, he left, and I drifted off to sleep.

Sometime later I was awakened by my father’s hand on my forehead. It was dark by then, and he had just arrived home from work. He thought I was asleep, so he did not say a word. He just stood by my bed with his strong hand on my forehead. I didn’t move or make a sound. I wanted his hand to stay there. My father’s touch was my assurance I would be okay. Soon, he turned around and walked out of my bedroom, but I still felt the touch of his hand. It had lasted only a few brief moments, but it has lingered a lifetime. I can feel it now it seems as I write this.

The Language of Touch

There is something about the touch of a hand. The Bible talks much about this. My father did not say a word. He didn’t have to. His touch spoke more at that moment than words ever could. People need our touch—not everyone, but someone does. I cannot, I will not touch everyone. But I can touch someone—that someone who needs my touch.

There are people in your life and in mine—our touch will help make the difference in their lives. It will give strength, assurance, peace, healing, and more. Never belittle the touch of your hand or its effect on someone else—someone God has placed in your life to touch.

The Comfort of Touch

Years ago, as a young pastor, there were times I had to try to comfort those who had just lost a loved one. In the early years, I felt so helpless in what to say and do. Many times, I would simply sit next to the grieving one with my hand on theirs. Others in the room would be speaking kind, loving words to comfort, while I sat there simply holding their hand. And many times, later they would say to me, “You will never know how much your touch comforted me that evening.”

I was always amazed and humbled. But I knew it was not my touch alone but the touch of Jesus that brought comfort to them in their hour of grief and loss. Jesus had placed His nail-scarred hand on mine as I placed mine on theirs.

Our touch can be the touch of Jesus to those needing it. God has given to us as believers the ability to transfer His life that is inside us to those we touch. Never doubt that. Know that because of Who lives inside you, your touch will bring hope, strength, healing, peace, and comfort.

Conclusion

The next time God places in your path someone in need, don’t worry about what to say or do, simply place your hand on theirs, knowing that your hand is an extension of Jesus’ hand. Then simply say what is in your heart for them. The touch of Jesus through your hand will be enough.

I will never forget my father’s touch.

Steve

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.