I don’t usually write poetry. In fact, I’m not sure what follows even qualifies as poetry. But something happened during my prayer time yesterday morning that I wanted to share.

This past Sunday, Don Reynard shared a wonderful message on the Father Love of God. His words stayed with me. Then, during my prayer time Tuesday morning, a simple phrase came to mind with unusual clarity: “I am in the hands of God.”

Not a new truth. I’ve known it, preached it, and encouraged others to believe it for years. But sometimes a familiar truth strikes us in a fresh way.

As I thought about the things weighing on my heart lately, I kept coming back to those same words. So I started writing, and here’s where those reflections took me. My apologies to Wadsworth, Keats and Dickenson for my humble offering.

 

I Am in the Hands of God

“But I trust in you, LORD; I say, ‘You are my God.’ My times are in your hands.”
— Psalm 31:14–15

When I look around at a nation divided, the Church distracted, and my soul frustrated… help me pause and remember…

I am in the hands of God.

When I consider the world beyond, nations at war, Your people suffering, and creation groaning under the weight of unfathomable brokenness… I struggle to comprehend, yet still confess…

I am in the hands of God.

When I look within and find anxiety uninvited, peace elusive, and fears resurfacing… I quiet myself to remember…

I am in the hands of God.

When I reflect back on roads not taken, words unspoken, and griefs unreckoned that time has softened but not erased… I release what I cannot change and remember…

I am in the hands of God.

When I look ahead to mountains unclimbed, waters uncrossed, struggles unfaced, and sorrows unknown… I must remember…

I am in the hands of God.

When I turn to those beside me, people I love, with struggles I cannot resolve, choices I cannot control, and outcomes I cannot foresee… I release them, the best I can, and remember…

I am in the hands of God.

When I look above at prayers unanswered, hopes not yet fulfilled, and questions with no satisfying explanation… in the waiting, I remind myself…

I am in the hands of God.

When I consider the passing years, changing seasons, missed opportunities, and the sobering realization that more of my journey lies behind me than ahead… I take comfort in remembering…

I am in the hands of God.

When I contemplate the final river and the last battle, not knowing how swift the current or how long the fight… when I close my eyes to this world and open them in the next… I will trust, even then…

I am in the hands of God.

 

Here’s a song to encourage you this week!

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPIza_q1rS0

 

Footnotes:

The assurance that I am in God’s hands is more than a comforting thought. It is a truth woven throughout Scripture.

1. Around — Psalm 31:14–15
   But I trust in you, Lord; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in your hands.
2. Beyond — Isaiah 40:11–12
   He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart.
3. Within — Isaiah 41:10
   So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
4. Back — Psalm 139:5
   You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.
5. Ahead — Psalm 139:9–10
   If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea,even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.
6. Beside — 1 Peter 5:6–7
   Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
7. Above — Psalm 10:14

But you, God, see the trouble of the afflicted; you consider their grief and take it in hand.

8. Passing Years — Isaiah 46:3–4
   Listen to me, you descendants of Jacob, all the remnant of the people of Israel, you whom I have upheld since your birth, and have carried since you were born. Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.
9. The Final River — Psalm 73:23–24

“Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.”