Hold My Hand, Son
By Art Dmytriyev
Yancey County
June brings with it warm sunshine, the scent of summer in the air, and for many families, a time to honor fathers. For me, Father’s Day is both a memory and a message — a reflection of my earthly father and a reminder of the eternal love of my Heavenly Father.
One day in my childhood stands out vividly. My mother was in the hospital preparing to give birth to my younger brother. My father and I set out to visit her, walking through chaotic city streets and heavy traffic. He looked down at me and said, “Hold my hand.” I obeyed—at least for a while. But like many children, I grew curious and confident, eventually letting go of his hand, thinking I could navigate the path myself.
For a few moments, I was fine. But then I stumbled over a curb, fell, and found myself alone and frightened. I called out, unsure where he was. Within moments, my father found me. He didn’t rebuke or scold me. He simply took my hand and said, “Stay by me this time.”
Now that I am grown—and now that my father has passed away—I find deep spiritual meaning in that simple moment. It mirrors so clearly my relationship with my Heavenly Father. How often do we, in our confidence or distraction, let go of God’s hand? How many times do we try to make it on our own, only to fall and find ourselves lost?
Yet God, like a loving father, comes to us — not to condemn, but to comfort.
“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God” (1 John 3:1, KJV). This love is not limited or exclusive—it is for all who come. Jesus Himself declared, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6, KJV). And this invitation is open to everyone: “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 my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28–30, KJV). The arms of the Father are wide open — through Christ, all are welcomed, restored, and loved.
Jesus told a parable of a young man who walked away from his father’s home. But when he returned, broken and ashamed, “when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him” (Luke 15:20, KJV). There was no judgment — only joy. No punishment — only peace.
That is the heart of our Heavenly Father. Scripture reminds us, “Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him” (Psalm 103:13, KJV). He is “a father of the fatherless” (Psalm 68:5, KJV), whose hands are always open, always strong, always ready to hold us through every trial.
As Seventh-day Adventist Christians, we know the urgency of the times and the power of the messages in Revelation. But even as we proclaim the three angels’ messages to the world, we are also called to reflect the tenderness and trust found in the simple invitation: “Hold My hand.”
This Father’s Day, I give thanks for the memory of my dad, who showed me in one small moment what the love of God looks like. And I praise the Lord that our Heavenly Father never lets go, even when we do. He comes running, He lifts us, and He leads us home.
God the Father be with you through His Son and by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
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Pastor Art Dmytriyev is originally from Siberia. He has traveled the world in Evangelism and pastoral ministry. He serves as a pastor in North Carolina, holds a Master of Divinity degree, and is currently a Doctor of Ministry candidate. More information at: https://burnsvillenc.adventistchurch.org/pastors-blog
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