How to Hold God's HandSample

Through this series, we have looked at how to hold God’s hand during difficult times. There are various seasons in our lives when things are difficult, we might have problems, but there will also be times when everything is good! And it’s just as important to hold on to God’s hand during these good times as well.

When things aren’t going so well, we find ample time to pray and meditate on God’s word. We cry out, asking for God to intervene; we make promises; we want to sing of God’s faithfulness but struggle as the situation around us is dire. But when things become alright, we tend to go back to our old ways. We tend to forget the command to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Let's look at the psalmist, King David, here. Many times we attribute his relationship with God to when he calls to the Lord out of distress, but here he shows us that even when things are going well, he does just the same!

Psalm 116 Focus: I will live for God’s pleasure (v9). Credit: I will maintain a habit of praise (worship) (v13). I will keep my promises that I made in my desperate times (v14). I will give till it hurts because God was there when it did hurt (v17).

We see that King David’s focus doesn’t shift. When things aren’t going well, our focus goes to the Lord. We find time for Him. But when it becomes good again, we turn to ourselves. We take Him for granted. He continues to give credit to whom it’s due—He worships the Lord in front of all His people! He doesn’t forget the sometimes rash promises we make to the Lord. He keeps them. He sacrifices and gives to the Lord. How much we give to the Lord directly reflects how much we value Him and what He has done for us.

Blessed are those who call on the name of the Lord; even more blessed when life doesn’t compel you to. Our faith is tested in the storm and in the fire. But our love is tested in comfort and success. Do we prioritize Him over all else? Does spending time with the Lord supersede all other things that we have to do?

Prayer

Our Father, we come before you with grateful hearts. You provide for us in so many ways, and oftentimes we fail to recognize your goodness in our lives. Lord, help us to appreciate all that you do and acknowledge you as the Lord of our lives. I pray that you will help us to hold your hand even when times are good. Help us be conduits of your blessings to others. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.