Our Daily Bread 17 May 2019 Devotional – God’s Amazing Hands
Topic: God’s Amazing Hands
Bible in a Year: 1 Chronicles 1–3; John 5:25–47
Scripture: Into your hands I commit my spirit; deliver me, Lord, my faithful God. – Psalm 31:5
Today’s Scripture & Insight: Psalm 31:1-8
David wrote Psalm 31 when he was in grave danger because of persecution (vv. 4, 13). His close friends had abandoned him (vv. 11–12), leaving him to fend for himself against his enemies. David affirmed that his only protection and safety were in God, his refuge, rock, and fortress (vv. 1–2). Twice David affirmed his unwavering faith and trust in God: “I trust in the Lord” (vv. 6, 14). Whether he lived or died, David committed his life to God for safekeeping: “Into your hands I commit my spirit” (v. 5). Years later, Jesus was similarly conspired against (John 11:53) and His friends deserted Him (Mark 14:50). While on the cross, Jesus prayed the same prayer of trust: “Into your hands I commit my spirit” (Luke 23:46).
Our Daily Bread 17 May 2019 – God’s Amazing Hands
Message: Twenty minutes into a flight from New York to San Antonio, the flight plan changed as calm gave way to chaos. When one of the plane’s engines failed, debris from the engine smashed through a window causing the cabin to decompress. Sadly, several passengers were injured and one person was killed. Had not a calm, capable pilot been in the cockpit—one trained as a Navy fighter pilot—things could have been tragically worse. The headline in our local paper read, “In Amazing Hands.”
In Psalm 31, David revealed that he knew something about the Lord’s amazing, caring hands. That’s why he could confidently say, “Into your hands I commit my spirit” (v. 5). David believed that the Lord could be trusted even when life got bumpy. Because he was targeted by unfriendly forces, life was very uncomfortable for David. Though vulnerable, he was not without hope. In the midst of harassment David could breathe sighs of relief and rejoice because his faithful, loving God was his source of confidence (vv. 5–7).
Our Daily Bread 17 May 2019 – God’s Amazing Hands
Perhaps you find yourself in a season of life when things are coming at you from every direction, and it’s difficult to see what’s ahead. In the midst of uncertainty, confusion, and chaos one thing remains absolutely certain: those who are secure in the Lord are in amazing hands.
Reflect & Pray
Have you committed your life—your earthly and eternal existence and well-being—to God? How are you showing that you are trusting Him in good times and bad?
Father, help me to be encouraged knowing that Jesus prayed Psalm 31:5 when He was on the cross. In the midst of pain and suffering, He committed His life into Your hands.
Our Daily Bread 17 May 2019 – God’s Amazing Hands was written by Arthur Jackson (Our Daily Bread Ministries)