In our journey of faith, we often find ourselves navigating through both light and darkness. The imagery of God’s hands serves as a powerful reminder of His presence in our lives, regardless of our circumstances.

The Right Hand of God:

Psalm 16:11: “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”

Psalm 18:35: “Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great.”

Psalm 20:6: “Now know I that the LORD saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand.”

Consider the story of Cain. He had the opportunity to remain in the hands of God, even during times of correction and chastening. Yet, he chose to walk away, rejecting the very guidance that could have transformed his life. In stark contrast, we have David, who, despite his great sins, was given a choice. David made the conscious decision to stay in the hands of God, embracing even the chastening hand of the Lord.

Then there is Job, a man who faced unimaginable trials yet chose to remain faithful even in the depths of darkness. His story illustrates the profound truth that the right hand of God represents power and support during our most challenging times.

The Left Hand: Sustaining Through Darkness

Job 23:8-9 — Behold, I go forward, but he [is] not [there]; and backward, but I cannot perceive him: On the left hand, where he doth work, but I cannot behold [him]: he hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see [him]:

It is easy to recognize the right hand of God when everything is going well; that hand symbolizes power and prosperity. However, we must not forget that the Lord possesses two hands. Job learned this lesson firsthand when he felt the right hand of prosperity slip away. In his darkest moments, he struggled to perceive God’s presence, but the truth remained: the hand of the Lord was still upon him, sustaining him through trials and times of silence.

God is ambidextrous; His left hand sustains us during our darkest moments when we cannot perceive Him. The left hand represents the refining process—the crucible where our faith is tested, where we may feel forsaken. In Job’s life, while God’s right hand may have been withdrawn, His left hand remained, providing the strength needed to endure.

The Search for God in Darkness

This time in the crucible is where I believe God can do His most profound work. It compels us to earnestly search for Him, much like we would search for a loved one who has gone missing. This desperation fosters a deeper connection and intimacy with our Savior.

David expressed this yearning when he spoke of being overwhelmed by waters that seemed to encompass him. In moments of distress, our focus shifts to what truly matters—our need for spiritual breath and sustenance. This is where growth occurs; this is where we can cultivate a deeper relationship with God.

The Danger of Affluence

It is essential to recognize that affluence can often destroy our intimacy with God. In times of abundance, we may find ourselves becoming self-reliant and drifting away from the dependency that fosters a close relationship with Him. Solomon, for instance, always saw the right hand of the Lord and enjoyed the blessings that came with it. However, David, who experienced the withdrawal of God’s right hand, learned to earnestly desire a closer walk with God, developing a profound yearning to commune with his Savior.

A Call to Trust in the Left Hand of God

Today, if you find yourself in a position like Job—looking behind and in front of you but unable to perceive God—remember to trust in the left hand of God. The strength you feel is not of your own doing; it is the sustaining hand of God that supports you through trials.

God works with both hands, and we must learn to trust Him in all circumstances. As we navigate the complexities of life, let us remain in the hands of God, seeking Him earnestly, and cultivating a relationship that thrives in both light and darkness.