With Open Hands – God’s Hands in the Psalms

 August 29, 2023

With open hands, God pours out blessings and abundance on the world. What else do we know about God’s hands from our reading of the Psalms?

God’s Hands in the Psalms

There are numerous references to hands in the Psalms, from clapping and lifting hands in praise, being at your right hand, and other physical references to hands.

We hear how God’s hand pours out blessings on the earth: “You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing.” (145:16); “When you open your hand, they are satisfied with good things.” (104:28)

God’s hand is strong. All it takes is a finger to set the moon and stars in place. The depths of the earth are in God’s hands: “Mighty is Your arm; strong is Your hand. Your right hand is exalted.” (89:13); “When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place.” (8:3); “In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him.” (95:4)

God’s mighty hand brings victory and destroys evil. “It was not by their sword that they won the land, nor did their arm bring them victory; it was your right hand, your arm, and the light of your face, for you loved them.” (44:3) “Why do you hold back your strong right hand? Unleash your powerful fist and destroy them.” (74:11); “In the hand of the LORD is a cup full of foaming wine mixed with spices; he pours it out, and all the wicked of the earth drink it down to its very dregs.” (75:8)

God’s Hands Support God’s People

God’s people are supported by God’s hands. They bring salvation and protect the needy: “Though he falls, he will not be overwhelmed, for the LORD is holding his hand.” (37:24); “I cling to you; your right hand upholds me.” (63:8) “Even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.” (139:10) “Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.” (98:1); “For he stands at the right hand of the needy, to save their lives from those who would condemn them.” (109:31)

We are the work of God’s hands: “The LORD will vindicate me; your love, LORD, endures forever— do not abandon the works of your hands.” (138:8) In return the psalmist asks God to favor the work of their hands: “May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands.” (90:17)

With Open Hands – Responding to God

How do we respond to the gifts from God’s hands?

God protects us with mighty arms. How do we protect those who are vulnerable?

God gives to us with open hands. What are we willing to give in return?

God forms us with his hands. What is the work of our hands?

With open hands God pours out blessings and abundance. All we need do is open our hands to receive what God so freely gives. And yet far too often we keep our hands clenched tight, unwilling to let go of past grievances or worldly concerns.

Are you willing to open your hands to receive all God has to give?

This post is part of a series of blog posts on the Psalms. Sign up to follow this blog and and receive a free copy of  Still Dancing, the second book in my Dancing through Life Series.      click here to sign up

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