Outstretched Hand
April 29, 2024
I am going through a rough patch right now. Losing my father in January, needing and wanting to be near my mother who lives in another state, holding down a job with lots of responsibility, and struggling to maintain a healthy body and mind. Over the last few weeks, more than a few people have asked me how I am doing. I’ve never been stumped by that question before. My typical response is a shrug, or I change the subject, or I ghost their text messages. I don’t want to say “I don’t know,” but it seems to be the honest answer.
This morning, I read Psalm 37 and verses 23 and 24 jumped off the page.
23 The steps of a [good] man are directed and established by the Lord when He delights in his way [and He busies Himself with his every step]. 24 Though he falls, he shall not be utterly cast down, for the Lord grasps his hand in support and upholds him. (AMPC)
The New Living Translation puts it this way:
23 The Lord directs the steps of the godly.
He delights in every detail of their lives.
24 Though they stumble, they will never fall,
for the Lord holds them by the hand.
Throughout Psalm 37, the writer is contrasting the righteous and the wicked and how God responds to each. I am not suggesting that I am good or godly or righteous in my own self. But, I believe the Bible when it says I am righteous through my faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 3:22). That is the reason He died, so He could bring us into right standing with God the Father. It allows us to gather the benefits promised in the Bible, like what is mentioned in verses 23 and 24 above.
The point is that God cares about the details of my life. He cares that I lost my earthly dad. He cares that I am worn out and tired. He cares that I have fallen. He offers me his hand to support and uphold me. The mental picture of my heavenly Father grabbing my hand and pulling me up off the floor is encouraging and comforting. Psalm 145:14 says, The Lord helps the fallen and lifts those bent beneath their loads.
The Bible reminds us to give our cares to God. 1 Peter 5:7 says, Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. As I am stepping over the rocky places in my life, I only have to remember to lift my eyes (the eyes that have been so focused on the rocks) and reach for His outstretched hand. The Amplified Bible puts 1 Peter 5:7 like this: …casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully]. Amen.