Our Times Are in His Hands

Psalm 31:15

“My times are in thy hand: deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me.”

The psalmist wrote, “My times Are in thy Hand,” as he looked to the Lord for deliverance. That is the prayer we must pray sincerely, especially in a crisis, but always for we need constantly to realize as Jeremiah, “O Lord I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps” (Jeremiah 10:23). This is a great truth to be believed and practiced. Proverbs 3:5-6, gives us more, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths.” God treats us as rational creatures with the ability to make choices, so our concurrence is asked from us to direct our steps. We are to yield our wills to Him in all of our choices. “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord,” (Psalms 37:23), in contrast to those of a wicked man, though his steps are ordained and appointed. The “counsel of the Lord shall stand,” (Proverbs. 19:21) though there are “many devices” in a man’s heart, man may propose but it is God who disposes.”

God, at times, will allow even his own to have their selfish requests but leanness of soul with accompany the request. (Psalms 106: 15), and a serious lesson will be learned.

When contemplating a trip, first I must determine if it is my duty. Is it in accordance with my calling? David often did this and was blessed in doing so, by waiting upon the Lord to lead in his decisions. He also had lapses which cost him and both are preserved for us, for our “learning and admonition,” Any decision made in fear and unbelief should be put before the Lord before acting upon. And when my path is plain then proceed to go and ask Him for journeying mercies and Godspeed. He will lead us in a plain path. (Psalms 27:11).

We must keep in mind as Matthew Henry admonishes that, “all who delight in God will have the desire of their heart filled, though not all desires of their heart may not be humored.” God’s dearest servants are not always gratified in all they have a mind to do. That was true with Paul, with David and all of His own servants. And will be true, graciously of us.

In His Marvelous Grace,

Pastor Ed Bowen

FEBRUARY 12, 2012