Hand To Stand!

When we have fallen down, isn’t it nice when someone extends their hand to help us stand? To feel the hand of another and knowing it will be there for us is a great encouragement in life. How wonderful it is when we have learned who it is we can depend on, even when we might not understand some of life’s situations.

Consider Job. How quickly he went from riches to rags (sackcloth, Job 16:15). Such has easily made many bitter toward life and angry at God. However, Job looked to God in the face of these sudden changes.

We read…
“(21) And he said, ‘Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; BLESSED BE THE NAME OF THE LORD.’ (22) In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrong.” ( Job 1:21-22 ESV)

It was a confusing time for Job. He had no clue regarding Satan’s involvement in things. Even if God had brought it upon him, Job refused to curse Him ( Job 3:9-10), but instead maintained his hope in God. ( Job 13:15) What a marvelous example of life being ENTRUSTED to the HANDS OF GOD.

David was another example of one who ENTRUSTED himself to the HANDS OF GOD.
“(3) For you are my rock and my fortress; and for your name’s sake you lead me and guide me; (4) you take me out of the net they have hidden for me, for you are my refuge. (5) INTO YOUR HAND I COMMIT MY SPIRIT; you have redeemed me, O LORD, faithful God.” ( Psalm 31:3-5 ESV)

Jesus offered these same words of trust as He faced death on the cross.
“Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, ‘Father, INTO YOUR HANDS I COMMIT MY SPIRIT!’ And having said this he breathed his last.” ( Luke 23:46 ESV)

Regardless of the challenges David faced, he continued to view his life as being safe in GOD’S HANDS and so spoke those words in view of life. Jesus spoke the words in view of death. Whether it be in life or death, do we see that our life can be ENTRUSTED in the HANDS OF GOD?

Peter noted our Lord’s focus as an example for our life.
“(21) For to this you have been called, because CHRIST also SUFFERED for you, LEAVING YOU AN EXAMPLE, so THAT YOU MIGHT FOLLOW IN HIS STEPS. (22) He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. (23) When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but CONTINUED ENTRUSTING HIMSELF TO HIM WHO JUDGES JUSTLY.” ( 1 Peter 2:21-23 ESV)

LET US TRUST!

Let us learn to trust God’s hand
Even when we don’t understand
Though life may deal a lousy hand
And things don’t always go as planned,
When feet feel poised on shifting sand
It’s time to let our faith expand.
For left alone we can’t withstand
The things on us life might demand,
But trusting God’s extended hand
He will sustain and in power grand.
So let us learn to trust God’s hand
Even when we don’t understand.

[Carl W. Hanson 07/17/2006]

Job, David, and our Lord Himself all revealed that our Heavenly Father can be trusted. God knows! God sees! May we be encouraged with life left in HIS HANDS.

Have a great day LEAVING LIFE IN THE HANDS OF HE WHO DOES UNDERSTAND!
Carl

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