My Times Are In The LORD's Hands

In my last post I promised to say one more thing about destiny, a word often misunderstood, but important. This will be relatively short, because in my own life many things are changing. I've had another major operation on my heart. This time the LORD blessed me with skillful surgeons who worked together to successfully replace my aortic valve. So, it appears that I may, under the LORD's blessings, continue my journey on the this earth for some time since the procedure was successful.

As a result of that and some other heart issues in our family, we are busy downsizing and changing our lives and are in the midst of some major negotiations. So, I'm feeling a bit stressed. Many times I visited with folks in the hospital who needed to hear God speak to them from His Word as they dealt with sickness and stress. One of the psalms I shared with them in those times was the psalm I quoted earlier.

But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, "You are my God." My times are in your hand; rescue me from the hand of my enemies and from my persecutors! Make your face shine on your servant; save me in your steadfast love! - Psa 31:14-16 ESV

This is a beautifully comforting Word from the LORD and I commend it to you. Note particularly that not only are nations guided by God, but the LORD (read Jesus), my God, is the One in whom I put my trust. Since He has called me to faith in Him and assured me that He has freed me from guilt and sin upon the blessed cross, I can indeed trust Him. Therefore as I face health issues and other stresses I can turn to Him, certain that He pays very close attention to me, even as He cares personally for each and every single one of His sheep. David spoke about this in the most favorite psalm of all, Psalm 23.

Note how this psalm speaks about what is going on: "My times are in your hand." Here I'm reminded of how the LORD spoke to Abraham and Sarah about the upcoming and planned birth of their first—and only—son Isaac.

The LORD said, "I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife shall have a son." And Sarah was listening at the tent door behind him. Now Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in years. The way of women had ceased to be with Sarah. So Sarah laughed to herself, saying, "After I am worn out, and my lord is old, shall I have pleasure?" The LORD said to Abraham, "Why did Sarah laugh and say, 'Shall I indeed bear a child, now that I am old?' Is anything too hard for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you, about this time next year, and Sarah shall have a son." - Gen 18:10-14 ESV

The time was set and as impossible as it seemed, Sarah became pregnant in her advanced years and gave birth to a son. So I am reminded again of how the LORD guides the events of His children and answers prayers. This is the destiny of us who have been adopted into His family and made heirs of a life that will never end. "My times are in your hand, O LORD." And no enemies, be they human, demonic or inward, personal doubts, will ever snatch me out of Your hand, dear LORD.

Yes, we have a destiny, you, my fellow believer and I. We are in His hands for all eternity, from one age to another, forever and ever. May this be of comfort to you this day and in all the days to come.