PSALM 31:14-16: “But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in your hand; rescue me from the hand of my enemies and from my persecutors! Make your face shine on your servant; save me in your steadfast love!” ESV

OBSERVATION: What will the future bring? I find myself asking this question as my present situation is one of uncertain change. At this present moment I am completing a long term pastorate with a congregation that I greatly love. My wife and I also have our house up for sale and are relocating to a new state and a new beginning. There are many uncertainties and many questions. Like the Psalmist in the midst of his distress, I too must cry,

• “But I trust in you, O Lord: I say, “You are my God.” My times are in your hand…”

In life we all face the uncertainty of the unknown. Will my job last? How long will I live? Will I have enough money to retire? What does the future hold? Will my children be successful and serve the Lord? As we ponder these questions we realize how much they are out of our control. How does a person without faith navigate these precarious waters?

It is faith that sustains and assures us – “My times are in your hand…”

In David’s confession of faith, he also cries out for protection. “…Rescue me from the hand of my enemies and from my persecutors! Make your face shine on your servant; save me in your steadfast love!” This reminds me of the construction of the Lord’s Prayer. It begins with worship, a surrender of will, a call for provision and forgiveness, a petition for protection, and a proclamation of faith.

• Worship: “Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.

• Surrender: Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven.

• Provision: Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors.

• Protection: And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one.

• Proclamation: For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.” Matthew 6:9-10, 12-13 NKJV

In the course of life there will always be a new unknown. The challenges and situations will change, but the dynamic stays the same. In all of the changing situations of life we have a Father who loves us. He truly does hold our times in His hand. This is called sovereignty from a theological perspective. However, from a practical perspective this is called love. It is God’s love for us that assures us that we can face each day with confidence because we know He hold our life in His hands.

This morning Lord, I understand the model of your prayer in a new way. Each day as I face uncertainty I must face it with worship and a surrender of my will to Your’s. The answers to all the unanswered questions in my life are not to be found in my striving or worrying, but in my resting and trusting. My part is not to break down doors, but to be ready and willing to walk through the doors that You open, moment by moment, day by day. Waiting upon You is not inactivity, it is a preservation of strength so that I am able to act and obey at the appropriate time.

• “Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.” Matthew 6:9-13 NKJV

In Jesus Name!