As I journey on this earth for the days given me by the Father, of which the number I do not know, there is much I do not understand. Circumstances of this life at times are experiences I prefer not to have. Yet, I do. Herein lies the challenge.
When life “feels” blessed, it is easier to claim the blessing of the hand of God in my life. The words flow from within my heart with confidence as they are easily received by others based on the clear evidence of blessing. I see it. They do too.
When life “feels” like blessing has passed me by, it becomes harder to claim the blessing of the hand of God in my life. The words trickle from my within my heart with hesitancy as they are questioned by others, and myself, based on the seemingly clear evidence of hardship. I see it. They do too.
Naturally, as humans, we have flawed perspectives of blessing. Selfishly we judge our blessings far too often by our own standards driven by the desires of our heart. In short, we seek the answer to be yes. When our answer is no, it is hard to accept.
Why Not
“You cannot leave this yard. It is unsafe. Why would you do that?”
“I was exploring.”
“You absolutely cannot leave the yard where I cannot see you, it is unsafe.”
“Aww, but, why not.”
Recently, my five year old left the yard to explore the wooded area behind the house. I noticed her gone and began to search. Frantically. As I heard her faint giggle through the open window of the bathroom, I felt relief. Until I peered from the window to discover the top of her head was all I could see in the distance with her little brother running behind her. I yelled through the window as they returned.
Her desire was not to be disobedient. The intention of her heart was to explore the surrounding area of her environment where she felt safe. Although, I know, as her momma, it is unsafe. Her answer was no. She felt frustrated, disappointed, and left short of the experience she desired.
We do the same. We desire things in our life that bring us laughter, contentment, opportunity, and abundance of good. We do not desire to be held back, told no, experience pain, or cry tears. Yet, in all those times, God as our Father, has not left us. He remains steadfast and faithful. His goodness does not change. The love he feels remains unfailing. His mercy is yet still upon us. His grace remains sufficient. We remain blessed.
There have been times I have experienced significant hurt. Hurt so big my chest feels hollow as the ache resonates through the very feeble attempt to breathe. I have grieved, feared, questioned, and wished desperately for different. As the dark of night has left me without sleep, I have cried silent tears.
In that old broken recliner, I have curled up in a fetal position resting in the hand of the Father as he held me so close the warmth of his presence elevated my body temperature. Gently he has whispered my name with reassurance that I am in the palm of his hand and his blessing is upon me. That although the night is here, joy comes in the morning.
When I see through the lens of my natural eyes, the picture is much more bleak. Everywhere I turn darkness lurks in the corners. Things appear to go from bad to worse when I think it couldn’t be worse, it is. Oh the fear that easily grips my heart as I struggle to break free. Storm after storm I feel lost in suffering. From the heat of the barren desert to the torrential downpour of cold rain. Timidly, feebly, and with bated breath I muster but a whisper, thy hand of blessing is upon me.
As I transition to the lens of my spiritual eyes, the picture brings clarity of the good word given from a faithful Father. Everywhere I turn the light transcends the darkness. Things begin to heal as ashes are turned to beauty before my very eyes. When I think it couldn’t get better than the last moment, it does. Desires of my heart so deep I was unaware they existed come to fruition as tears of joy stream down my face in awe of the goodness of my God. Fear has no place in my heart. It does not own me. Storm after storm gives way to plush land by the cool streams of God’s waters bringing unexplainable peace, indescribable joy, and rest. With a sigh of relief, in confidence, I say, thy hand of blessing is upon me.
Friend, as you stand in the face of the battle you fight, at times, it is perspective. Are you peering through the lens of your natural eyes. Or have you transitioned to your spiritual lens that allows you clear vision of God’s goodness in your circumstance.
I want to encourage you today to push past the flesh into the presence of Almighty God where you find his hand of blessing upon you. His hand has not left you. When we cannot see it, we have shifted our focus, he remains.
The Blessing of Thy Hand is upon My Head!
“Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease. He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day. Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday. Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you. Just open your eyes, and see how the wicked are punished. If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home. For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go. They will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone. You will trample upon lions and cobras; you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet! The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation.
Psalms 91:1-16 NLT
