His Hand

This has been a very hard week for me: I’ve been in the clutches of a severe Chronic Fatigue crash. I couldn’t keep my eyes open on Sunday, didn’t get dressed on Sunday or Tuesday (I wouldn’t have dressed on Monday either except I had to take the trash out). I have been able to work on this blog, though, writing in fits and starts with long rests between.

Then Thursday morning I woke with the words to “On Eagle’s Wings” running happily through my head and feeling much better. I’m not fully out of the woods, but I can see a light at the end of the tunnel as I wildly mix metaphors.

And I remembered that, no matter how bad I felt, I was never, never, never out of God’s care, because I am His. And no matter how bad I feel, I can – I do – trust Him.

You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord,
Who abide in His shadow for life,
Say to the Lord, “My Refuge,
My Rock in Whom I trust.”

And He will raise you up on eagle’s wings,
Bear you on the breath of dawn,
If I’m not falling, how will I know that I’m being carried?
If I’m not falling, how will I learn to trust Him to carry me?

Make you to shine like the sun,
I can’t shine; I haven’t the strength. He must do it in me!
I am not responsible for shining, just for abiding.

And hold you in the palm of His Hand.
I am not doing the holding: I am being held. Warmly and safely.

Scripture keeps reminding us:
Don’t be afraid,
    because I’m with you;
don’t be anxious,
    because I am your God.
I keep on strengthening you;
    I’m truly helping you.
I’m surely upholding you
    with my victorious right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10 International Standard Version

Oh, Lord, help me remember, the next time I’m “side-lined,” that You always always hold me safe. Help me remember – and trust You. Amen.

Even as you grow old and your hair turns gray,
    I’ll keep carrying you!
    I am your Maker and your Caregiver.
    I will carry you and be your Savior.
Isaiah 46:4 The Passion Translation