May 2
Encouragement For Today
“Who’s Got the Whole World in His Hands?”
Melissa Taylor, Proverbs 31 Speaker Team Member
Key Verse:
Psalm 46:10, “Be silent, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” (NLT)
Devotion:
Recently I attended chapel with my three-year-old daughter’s preschool class. The pastor was playing his guitar and the sweet, cute kids were singing along with him. There is nothing as precious as the voices of little children singing about Jesus. The pastor was about to begin the next song, when he asked the children a question. “Boys and girls,” he began, “Do you know who has the whole world in His hands?” The kids thought about this, and one little boy shouted, “I do! I have the whole world in my hands!” Everyone laughed and the pastor explained who really had the “whole world in His hands.” Then they sang about it.
Sometimes kids say the funniest things. This little boy’s declaration of “I do” was indeed humorous, but I also see where he got that impression. I believe that God has everything under control and does have “the whole world in His hands,” yet how many times have I acted like I think I do?
I take pride in being a fixer, not of things, but of people. When I see someone hurting, in trouble, or in need, I want to fix everything and make it better. I may take care of a sick friend’s kids, buy a gift to cheer someone up, write an encouraging note, or take them to lunch trying to find just the right words to help fix their situation. I desire to do all I can to help. While it brings me joy to serve others in this way, I often find myself feeling discouraged because I can’t really “fix” anything. I want to be in control and I want to make things better. I may be able to bring some temporary comfort, but that’s all I can do, alone.
God is the One who has the “whole world in His hands.” It’s true that He can use all of us to fulfill His plans, but He is ultimately in charge. Sometimes I forget that. I think it’s up to me to get everything done. No wonder I feel discouraged - I can’t do it all. I’m not meant to.
Do you struggle with trying too hard to make things better or with fixing life yourself? Do you fret or worry when life seems out of your control? Well, just like a personal superhero, God has “come to save the day!” He’s in the business of saving lives and fixing problems.
Recently, I was experiencing a lot of panic and anxiety due to circumstances which were out of my control. As hard as I tried to fix my circumstances, I couldn’t. A close friend directed me to Psalm 46:10 which says, “Be silent (NLT) or be still (NIV) and know that I am God.” She advised me to meditate on this verse and even substitute the words “be still” with “cease striving.” For one month, I began each day by repeating, “Be still and cease striving and know that I am God.” Every time I began to experience worry or panic, I would stop right then and say this verse, reminding myself that God is God. He is in control and I am not!
In Matthew 6:27, Jesus asks and answers the question, “Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not.” Jesus is right. In fact, studies show that worry actually decreases the days of your life. There’s just no need for it, it doesn’t fix a thing. Sometimes it immobilizes you. Jesus goes on to say in verse 33 that “your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, and He will give you all you need from day to day if you live for Him and make the
My Prayer for Today:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that it is You and not me who is in control. Please help me to “be still” and trust You to calm the storms of life. I pray that I will not worry, but give all my cares to You. Thank you for keeping the whole world safe in Your hands. Amen.
Application Steps:
The next time you find yourself worrying or in a state of panic over something that is out of your control, try writing down Psalm 46:10. Repeat it over and over again. Then do it. I mean really do it. Be still. Cease striving. Gain peace through the presence of God.
Reflection Points:
Do I act as if I have the whole world in my hands?
Do I trust God with every detail of my life? What about with the lives of others?
What is one area of my life where I need to trust God? Am I ready to give it to Him?
Power Verses:
Genesis 1:1, In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. (NLT)
Psalm 55:22, “Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.” (NLT)
Matthew 6:27, “Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not.” (NLT)
Matthew 6:33, “And He will give you all you need from day to day if you live for Him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.” (NLT)
1 Peter 5:7, “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about what happens to you.” (NLT)
Additional Resources:
Radically Obedient, Radically Blessed, by Lysa TerKeurst
http://proverbs31.gospelcom.net/resources/radical.html
Becoming a Woman Who Listens to God, by Sharon Jaynes
http://proverbs31.gospelcom.net/resources/womanlistens.html
P31 Woman Magazine
http://proverbs31.gospelcom.net/woman.htm
Originally published Monday, 02 May 2005.
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