God of the Open Hand – Psalm 145:14-17

Today I have two pictures for you!

Have you ever seen someone in need – someone really in desperate times – get something to help them along? It is a face of relief, of thankfulness, even of love. It is the eyes and smile of someone who knows that suddenly everything is going to be alright – they are going to make it through.

Or maybe have you ever seen a child get a surprise gift? Their eyes light up with surprise, there is nothing like a small child to really register clear emotion! The picture in todays post is from Operation Christmas Child – which strives to give gifts to children who won’t receive any, to share and show the love of Jesus.

We have just spent a bunch of time looking at the greatness of God and the awesomeness of His works. And yet, this same God who created the universe and can completely blow our mind with the complexity and beauty of the universe, is willing to come down from the heights and help us in our need.

The LORD upholds all who are falling
and raises up all who are bowed down.
The eyes of all look to you,
and you give them their food in due season.
You open your hand;
you satisfy the desire of every living thing.
The LORD is righteous in all his ways
and kind in all his works.
(Psalm 145:14-17 ESV)

That truly is a picture of us isn’t it? We have nothing really to offer. In the scale of the universe, we are essentially invisible! And yet, the God who created it all comes down with kindness, grace and love and lifts us up, especially when we call.

He is the God of the open hand! You have heard the term ‘tight fisted’ before I am sure. A tight fisted person is someone who holds on to everything they have unwilling to share a penny with anyone. But our God is the opposite – he has an open hand, showering His love, mercy and grace on us all every day.

So again, take time today to recognize God’s work in your life – that despite how great and awesome and powerful He is, He still steps down to our level and lifts us up from the trouble we find ourselves in. Doesn’t that fact alone make Him doubly worthy of our worship and honour?