Daily devotion – Safe in His hands…
Psa 115:3 But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.
I had a morning swim at Secret Harbour Beach on Tuesday and received a notification on my phone as I returned home to begin my study for the midweek service. As the chaplain for the police, my phone was automatically connected to the shark alarm system along the coast with the water police. My phone made the usual noise when a message arrived but the message! – “Public report – 4-metre white shark 10:00 am Secret Harbour Beach. Sighted chasing a seal and breaching out of the water”.
It’s like a gentle reminder of how closely God watches over us, like a parent, keeping us safe from dangers we might not even be aware of. As we prepare for work or school, we’re under His care every day. Does this mean we’re entirely safe from harm or trauma? Not necessarily, but the Bible assures us that God has the ultimate control over our lives.
As the three young Hebrews explained to king Nebuchadnezzar when their lives were under threat of death…
Dan 3:17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. Dan 3:18 But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.”
We will not know the answers to bad things that can and do happen to Christians until we are with our Lord in glory. But dominion and rule of all things sits with the throne of God.
Ephesians 1:11 Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan.
God is sovereign: He has the right and the power to do whatever He pleases. He is in control of all that happens and has happened, both for nations and individuals.
We can trust the Holy God to order things aright, even though they remain a mystery. Remember Isaiah 55: :8: “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD. Isa 55:9: “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts
Every day, as you and your loved ones step out into the vast world, remember this – we have the incredible assurance that our Lord is watching over us, like a shepherd guarding his flock!