The hand of God

There is a term used in the bible to describe God's work in the lives of man. It's the term "the hand of God." The exact phrase is used in the bible only 14 times, but the idea is clear- God works in the lives of men and women on planet earth.

It's also clear from scripture that God is spirit. He does not have a body as we do, so the term "hand of God" is simply a metaphor to describe God's work in our lives.

In 1 Samuel this text is found- 1Sa 5:11 They sent therefore and gathered all the lords of the Philistines and said, "Send away the ark of the God of Israel, and let it return to its own place, so that it will not kill us and our people." For there was a deadly confusion throughout the city; the hand of God was very heavy there. For the Philistines it was not a good experience to be under God's hand...he was judging them for taking the ark of the covenant. This is the experience of some today....they sense they are under "the heavy hand of God" and according to John 3 they are. What they need is to turn to the pierced hands of Christ to receive the wonderful gift of salvation from the loving hands of God.

In 2 Chronicles God works in a different way- 2Ch 30:12 The hand of God was also on Judah to give them one heart to do what the king and the princes commanded by the word of the LORD. This verse gives me the sense of a shepherd gently working in the lives of his people to move them together and work in their midst. It would be great to be part of God's work in his body as his hand touches us in this way.

And, finally, Solomon describes the work of God's hand in this way- Ecc 2:24 There is nothing better for a man than to eat and drink and tell himself that his labor is good. This also I have seen that it is from the hand of God. This describes God as the provider, and his hand as the source. What a beautiful picture....God providing, by his hands, all our needs.

But somehow we corrupt this wonderful picture in scripture of God's hand touching and working in the lives of men....we look for ways to get him to do what we want....we have an agenda! I read this quote a few years ago in a report written about a prayer meeting held in the Dallas area, "There was enough power in that room to move the hand of God." Who do we think we are? How arrogant we have become....God is not forced into any action by man. He is the sovereign of the universe!

I prefer these verses as I interact with the hand of God-

Psa 31:5 Into Your hand I commit my spirit; You have ransomed me, O LORD, God of truth.

Psa 31:15 My times are in Your hand; Deliver me from the hand of my enemies and from those who persecute me.

Psa 119:173 Let Your hand be ready to help me, For I have chosen Your precepts.

Psa 139:5 You have enclosed me behind and before, And laid Your hand upon me.

Psa 139:10 Even there Your hand will lead me, And Your right hand will lay hold of me.

Lord, I willingly desire to be in your hands, led by your right hand, provided for by your gracious hand.....by your hands I am blessed, and one day I will see those nail pierced hands for myself....for your hands show your heart....your hands show your love for me. I welcome your hand in my life, oh wonderful Lord.