Soul Kitchen

I love the left hand of the Lord. We don't read much about it in the Bible, but it is definitely there. And I love it, (Have I said that already?) and I'll tell you why. But first, you need to know about his right hand.

Your right hand, O LORD, glorious in power, your right hand, O LORD, shatters the enemy. Exodus 15:6

Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: "The LORD's right hand has done mighty things! The LORD's right hand is lifted high; the LORD's right hand has done mighty things!" Psalm 118:15-16

The Lord's right hand is mighty, powerful and "lifted high" against my enemies. His right hand is at work on my behalf.

Then see what happens:

For I, the LORD your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, "Fear not, I am the one who helps you." Isaiah 41:13

The way I see it, if he is working and warring with his right hand, he must be holding my right hand in his left. We are walking side by side, his left hand holding my right. And he is doing the holding, "I... hold your right hand," and says to me, "Don't be afraid, I AM the one who helps you." (my paraphrase and capitalization)

I have a dear memory that God used as a precurser to this picture of truth. When my husband and I were dating, we loved to go on walks. He would always have me walk on his left side so that he could protect me with his right arm, should I need protecting. (I love it that he actually thought of that!) If we were holding hands, then his right hand was free. One day we went for a walk in the woods. It was in the fall when there were many spider webs (with really big spiders in them) in the bushes and trees of the forest. As we walked hand in hand along the trail, he carried a stick in his right hand with which to knock down the spider webs that were across our path. He held my hand, and he did all the work and saved me from the spiders.

Do you see it? When God is holding my right hand, my strong arm (since I am right handed) is not able to do anything. It is being held tightly and rendered powerless by his left hand, while his powerful, strong, mighty, victorious right hand is doing all the work. And I am able to rest and be comforted. Amazing God.

Is your world feeling unstable? Are you tired of working so hard? Give him your hand and declare with me:

I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Psalm 16:8