Every moment of my life is in God’s hands, every day by His grace I am under His wings. My time is in His hands. Every second of my life is in His control. I can plan, but my plans are in God’s hands.
Psalm 31:15, which says, “My times are in Your hand; Deliver me from the hand of my enemies”.
What this statement means
- Surrender of control: It is an expression of giving up one’s own will and control over life’s circumstances.
- Entrusting one’s destiny: It involves trusting that one’s future, and all that happens, is in God’s care.
- Hope during difficult times: This belief provides comfort and reassurance during trials, hardships, or uncertainty.
- A source of peace: For believers, it can lead to a sense of peace by relieving the anxiety of trying to control everything.
Examples from scripture and practice
- Psalm 31:15: This is a key verse often cited, where the psalmist declares, “My times are in Your hand; Deliver me from the hand of my enemies”.
- Philippians 4:19: Another related verse provides reassurance: “And my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus”.
- Hymns and prayers: The sentiment is a common theme in hymns and modern songs of faith, as seen in the lyrics of songs like “My Days Are in Your Hands” by Greg Scheer.
Time!
The Bible teaches that human character, like seasons, goes through cycles of change, but unlike the changeable human, God is immutable. King Solomon’s Ecclesiastes 3:1-13
describes the transient nature of human life, with its seasons of birth, death, weeping, and joy. This passage highlights that while a person’s experiences change, God remains constant, and these changing seasons can be opportunities for personal growth and a deeper relationship with Him.
Human character and change
- A reflection of the times: The Bible acknowledges that people change, with moods, character, and appearances shifting, much like the changing seasons.
- Ecclesiastes 3:1-8: Solomon’s classic verses describe numerous pairs of opposites that mark life’s seasons, such as “a time to weep, and a time to laugh” and “a time to love, and a time to hate”.
- Purpose in change: Periods of hardship or difficulty can be seen as seasons that prepare individuals for what is next, with change exposing the heart and providing opportunities for confession and growth.
- Example: The story of Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 4 shows a man who was humbled and changed by a season of madness after his arrogance led him to rebel against God.
The unchangeable nature of God
- Immutability: In contrast to the ever-changing human character, the Bible teaches that God is immutable (unchanging).
- Constant nature: God’s character, promises, and purpose are constant, providing a source of comfort and stability.
- Source of all seasons: The changing of the physical seasons is a testament to God’s sovereignty, as He is the one who creates and controls them.
- Malachi 3:6: “For I am the LORD, I do not change; therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob”.
Applying the teaching
- Embrace the season: The Bible encourages believers to recognize and embrace the season they are in, rather than trying to force a change.
- Grow through seasons: Each season has a purpose and an opportunity for growth, with hard seasons preparing one for future blessings.
- Focus on God: Instead of trying to change the season, one should seek to know God more intimately during that time, for He remains constant through all seasons of life.
And we take a moment to pray:
Father LORD, every moment of my life is in Your hands. Time was created by Your Essence. Every day of my life is in Your divine hands. By Your AWESOME grace every day of my life is known to You and numbered. My desire is to always be under Your wing. Father, in the Name of Jesus – guide me. I am fully Yours. Use me LORD, Amen.
Reading the Bible every day can offer benefits such as wisdom, perspective, and a way to “renew your mind” (Romans 12:2) and find comfort, strength, and guidance. Key scriptures for daily reflection include Psalm 23 (for guidance and comfort), Psalm 139:16 (for a sense of purpose), and Lamentations 3:21-25 (for hope, as mercies are new each morning). Reading daily can also help with living one day at a time, prioritizing important things, and finding joy and peace.
Benefits of reading the Bible daily
- Offers wisdom and clarity: Reading the Bible regularly provides principles, truth, and perspective that can elevate and clarify your thinking.
- Provides strength and comfort: Scripture can offer strength and comfort, especially during difficult times.
- Shapes your mindset: Spending time in the Bible can lead to a renewal of your mind, changing your thinking and providing hope.
- Guides your life: Verses like Psalm 119:105 (“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path”) suggest the Bible can serve as a guide for your daily life.
- Encourages living in the present: Scriptures like Matthew 6:27, 34 encourage living one day at a time, as “each day has enough of its own troubles”.
- Leads to joy and peace: Reading scripture can lead to a deeper sense of joy, peace, and an abundant life.
Bible verses for daily reflection
- Psalm 23: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want… you restore my soul. You lead me in paths of righteousness for your name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me”. This psalm is a source of comfort, reassurance, and guidance.
- Psalm 139:16: “Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be”. This verse can provide a sense of purpose, as it suggests that God has a plan for your life.
- Lamentations 3:21-25: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness”. This passage offers hope, emphasizing that God’s mercies are renewed each day.
- Romans 12:2: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will”. This verse is central to the idea of spiritual transformation through the Bible.
- Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”. This verse is a source of hope for a positive future.
Update:
I received quite a few responses: 🤔 was the most significant!
I know, this made me think EXTENSIVELY… BUT everything in my life is for and to the glory of God!
God brought me back from the edge of death! I need say not another word!
I pray unceasingly:
Father, in and with MY life, Your will be done, in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
“Father, Your will be done” is from the Lord’s Prayer and a famous prayer of Jesus, representing a prayer of surrender and trust. It means accepting God’s plan, even when it’s difficult, and asking for God’s will to be carried out on Earth as it is in Heaven. Jesus said it in the Garden of Gethsemane, where He submitted His human will to God’s divine will before His crucifixion.
In the Lord’s Prayer
- This is the third petition in the Lord’s Prayer, found in the Bible in Matthew 6:10.
- When prayed, it asks for God’s Loving plan to be fully realized on Earth, as it is already in Heaven.
- It is a request for God’s will to be done by thwarting evil and strengthening faith.
Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane
- In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done” (Luke 22:42, Matthew 26:39).
- This moment is seen as the ultimate example of surrender, where His human will chose to align with God’s divine will, despite the immense suffering He knew was ahead.
- It demonstrates a choice to embrace suffering for a greater purpose, and it’s often used as a model for believers facing their own struggles and seeking to align their lives with God’s purpose.
Why praying for God’s will is important
- It surrenders personal agendas: Praying “Your will be done” is a way to lay aside your own desires and agendas, trusting that God’s will is for the best.
- It is a high expression of faith: It signifies a deep trust that God has a plan, even if it’s difficult to understand or accept, and that He will accomplish His purposes.
- It aligns with God’s will: This prayer helps you seek to understand and follow God’s revealed will, rather than asking God to conform to yours.
- It acknowledges His authority: It is a declaration of God’s sovereignty and a recognition of His power and wisdom.
- It is a model from Jesus: Jesus prayed “not my will, but yours, be done” in the Garden of Gethsemane, showing that even when facing a difficult path, submitting to God’s will is a central part of faith.
How to approach this prayer
- Be specific and general: While praying for God’s will is crucial, don’t let it be the only type of prayer. It can be beneficial to also pray for specific requests, while still submitting the outcome to God’s will.
- Acknowledge His attributes: Use the truths of Scripture to guide your prayers and focus on God’s characteristics, such as His holiness, mercy, and wisdom.
- Seek wisdom: Ask God for wisdom to understand His will, as it’s not always immediately clear.
- Be ready for His leading: This prayer prepares you to be sensitive to God’s Spirit and to obey His voice when it leads you to go, speak, or do as He directs.
https://www.verachristian.com/connecting-the-dots/praying-scripture