In the Palm of His Hands

The Cafe is thrilled to introduce our Guest Barista of the day, Ruth Wood!

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)

“Forget it! Why even talk about it anymore,” my husband shouted and slammed the door.


I stood rooted to the floor, reeling against the wave of questions sweeping my imagination. Were we teetering on the brink of divorce? My husband and I had been fighting more and more about issues that seemed to defy resolution. This last argument was off the Richter scale. How could I start a new life with two little boys to support? I couldn’t bear to think of them shuttled between parents.


All this turmoil made my throat and chest hurt so much I could scarcely breathe. For several days I walked around aimlessly and forgot appointments, neglected my work and barely comprehended conversation. In despair and desperation, I cried out to the Lord. He brought to mind the words of Isaiah 41:10, “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”


To combat my paralyzing fear, it seemed I needed to repeat this verse every five minutes the first few days. So I composed a simple melody to help me remember the words. Singing pried my thoughts away from circumstances and lifted me into the presence of the Lord. In this way I clung to hope and controlled my panic.


Other passages in Isaiah also ministered to me. “I have engraved you on the palms of my hands,” God says. In fact, His great love for me compelled him to lie down on a cross and offer his hands to the executioner’s nails. How could my family and I not be kept safe in such hands?


Eventually my marriage recovered, but I learned an important lesson—regardless of the outcome of circumstances, I have a God who holds me safe in the palm of his hands.


Prayer:

Lord, thank you that I need not struggle with my fears alone for you are with me. Today I choose to rest in the palm of your hands. In Jesus name, Amen.
Putting it into action:

Memorize Isaiah 41:10, 49:15-16; and Philippians 4:6, then meditate on these passages throughout the day. For a deeper understanding of these truths, try rewriting the verses in your own words. Then express your response to the Lord by composing a poem, painting a picture, or writing your own song based on these verses.

In Him,

Ruth


Song: Palm of His Hand, written by Ruth Wood, available to listen at
http://www.indiependencemusic.net/albums.php?artistId=677

©2007 Ruth Wood. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

BIO:
Ruth Wood is an award-winning songwriter and editor of www.Comfort-Cafe.net, an online magazine bringing hope, help and healing to women facing difficult life challenges. She and her husband have been married over quarter of a century, have two grown sons, a delightful new daughter-in-law, and one rambunctious grandcat. She may be reached at ruthywood@gmail.com.