GOD’S UPHOLDING HAND (1)

“When he falls, he shall not be hurled headlong; because the LORD is the One who HOLDS his HAND” – Psalm 37: 24

We are established and kept steady and secure in Life’s Journey by GOD’S UPHOLDING HAND: “The steps of a man are established by the LORD; and He delights in his way. When he falls, he shall not be hurled headlong; because the LORD is the One who HOLDS his HAND” (Psa.37:23-24). No one is more secure that the one whose hand is held in God’s Hand or carried by His Arm. An earlier verse states: “For the arms of the wicked shall be broken, but the Lord UPHOLDS the righteous” (v.17). Psalm 63:8 affirms this same truth: “My soul follows close behind You; Your RIGHT HAND UPHOLDS me.” His Hand keeps us from sliding, tripping, faltering, or falling headlong.

The Hand of the Almighty God that holds the ocean’s depths can hold our life’s affairs. His Hand that guides the universe, can carry all our cares: “In whose Hand is the life of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind?” (Job. 12:10). With the Eyes of Faith we can see God's Hand at work throughout our lives. When we can see His Hand, we can trust His Heart. The strength of His everlasting arms is ever beneath us: “The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms; He will thrust out the enemy from before you, and will say, ‘Destroy!’” (Deut.33:27). Operating in this reality, we can walk through life with confidence, holding the invincible Hand of our invisible Companion. We can be confident about tomorrow if we cling to God's Hand today.

When he blessed the children of Israel before he died, Moses had the assurance that the Lord God who created the universe was holding him in His Hand. The God who made the firmament and the deepest sea; who put the stars in place is the God who cares for us. There is no detail about our lives that His Hand cannot sort out: “Yes, He loves the people; all His saints are in YOUR HAND; they sit down at Your feet; everyone receives Your Word” (Deut.33:3). Here, God’s saints are revealed in three places. First, they are in His HEART: “He loves the people!” How precious to dwell in the bosom of Infinite Love! Second, they are in His HAND – the place of security from where none can pluck us (Jh.10: 27-30). Last of all, they are at His FEET – the place of discipleship, learning His Will, in order to walk in His Ways.

Almighty God who, by His Hand made all the rolling spheres of the universe, can certainly take care of us. His omnipotent Hand can turn obstacles into opportunities, dis-appointment into His appointment, and delays into divine design. When the poor, needy, and thirsty seek and reach for God’s Hand of Blessings, He’ll shower them with the rich treasures in His bosom (Isa.41:17-19). Undoubtedly, it takes a lot of courage to put and leave things in God’s Hand; to give ourselves totally to Him – our lives, hopes, and plans; to follow where He leads us and make His will our own. When the future is dark and we can't see what's next, we must learn to leave all our "whys" in God’s Hand!

It is the God who holds the universe who is holding us. His Hand can deal with all inconveniences, delays, detours, and distractions. With His Arm beneath us, we need not fear what lies before us. Hudson Taylor, founder of China Inland Mission, in the closing months of his life said to a friend, “I am so weak. I can't read my Bible. I can't even pray. I can only lie still in God's arms like a little child and trust.” He could face the future with confidence because the God who had delivered him would also preserve him. We need not be fearful, whatever may come. God will never forsake His redeemed children. We can rejoice that our great Creator holds us in His Hand!