To Zimbabwe with Love

In the Hands of God

"Where can I go from your spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence? If I ascend
to heaven, you are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, you are there. If I take the wings of
the morning and settle at the farthest limits of the sea, even there your hand shall lead
me, and your right hand shall hold me fast."    Psalm 139:7–10

     On September 11, 2001, terrorists hijacked three airplanes in the United States with the intent to kill and destroy as many lives as possible. Two of the unfortunate planes were crashed deliberately into the World Trade Towers (WTC) located in New York City. Thousands of innocent people were killed.

     I distinctly remember reading a newspaper story describing one of the victims' final phone call. This man had been working as an outdoor window washer on the upper floors of the enormous towers. When a plane crashed into his building, the window washer had the presence of mind to use his cell phone and speak to his wife one final time. "Please don't worry about me," he calmly said as the massive building began to disintegrate in a fiery inferno, "I am now in the hands of God." No trace of his body could be found in the horrendous pile of rubble.

     Today's verses from Psalm 139 serve as a reminder of God's gracious and compassionate care in good times as well as the horrific. Living or dying, you are securely in the hands of God. Whatever your life circumstances, you can depend on this great truth.

     There is no place in the world too remote for the Almighty. There is no mountain too high or ocean too deep that can separate you from God's guiding hand. There is no desert too vast or jungle too untamed, where God's empowering and comforting presence cannot find you.

     In the best of times and the worst, God is tenderly holding you and illuminating your way through the energizing power of the Holy Spirit. Whether your life is just beginning or coming to an end, God is with you through it all.

     So rest assured, entrusting every joy and burden, hope and fear, to the Almighty. God will never abandon or forsake you. Our God is faithful and you will always receive divine help in abundance for every situation. God is dependable when life is heavenly or hellish. At all times remember you are in the hands of God.

Prayer: Hold me securely in your strong and gentle hands, O God, and never let me go. Hold Zimbabwe and all her people close to your heart, I pray. Strengthen and guide this country into hope and healing. Amen.

Written by Rev. Dr. Sandy Bochonok
http://soulfoodministry.org
January 24, 2003
Permission is given to freely distribute this reflection throughout Zimbabwe, along with all resources posted on http://soulfoodministry.org.