I love how this verse of Scripture talks about the healing touch of Jesus' hand. What's interesting is that we know that Jesus was able to heal with just a word from His lips. (Matthew 8:8) He could have easily healed the whole crowd around Him with a spoken word, but He chose not to. Instead, He chose to touch each one individually, face-to-face, one-on-one. He knew the power and importance of human touch, even though He was divine.

There's a powerful lesson here for you and me. When others are going through a difficult time, there's simply no substitute for us being there with them - to hold their hand, to put a loving arm around them, or to give them a warm hug. Just small gestures like these can minister healing and hope to a hurting soul.

When I was getting counseling for anxiety and depression many years ago, the Christian lady who was ministering to me told me something I have never forgotten. She said that studies showed that for a person to be healthy and whole, they needed at least nine good hugs a day. When I told my husband, Joe, about it, he wrapped his arms around me and promised to give me more hugs every day from then on. For the most part, he has kept that promise, and we try to give each other some really good hugs on a daily basis.

The last time I saw my mother alive, she was in the hospital with kidney failure. As we chatted, I held her hand, and I could see in her eyes how much that meant to her. When she drifted off to sleep, I knew that I would never see her again this side of heaven. I wanted to say goodbye, but I didn't want to disturb her. So I tenderly kissed her on the forehead and whispered, Goodbye, Mama. Something so strong inside of me insisted that I had to touch her one more time, and once my lips touched her face, I felt a warm sense of peace.

There are people in your life who need your healing touch today. You may not always know what to say to comfort them, but you can say more than words with a warm embrace, a hand on their shoulder, or a touch of their hand. And the best part? As you reach out to heal others in Jesus' name, you too will be healed!

Prayer: Lord, give me a revelation of how vital human touch is to me and to others. As You healed suffering souls with a touch of Your hand, please anoint and enable me to heal those I come in contact with who are hurting. By Your Spirit, show me how to minister to them in ways that will draw them to You. Thank You that as I reach out to others in Your name, You will send the right people to reach out to ME when I need them most!