Lord, confirm the work of our hands

Psalm 90:17 (NASB)

And let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us; and do confirm for us the work of our hands; yes, confirm the work of our hands. 

We think about and perhaps pray about the use of our minds, eyes, mouth, and feet.  But, rarely do we pray about the use of our hands.  Think about what your hands do, or, more disturbingly, how could you live without hands?  Your hands feed you (although I’m reminded of a funny situation years ago in my fraternity were a smart-aleck freshman pledge had to eat his dinner without the use of his hands, like all animals have to eat), dress you, drive your car, touch your loved ones, write and/or type, play sports, paint, play musical instruments, and all other motor skills of life.

We know that our hands are unique, e.g. no two sets of fingerprints are alike (think about that, isn’t that amazing!).  We know that our palm prints are unique too, but palm reading is biblically prohibited (e.g. Deuteronomy 18:10, Revelation 21:8) because God forbids fortune telling.  Satan worshippers believe our palms tell our future, but Satan-worshippers are liars because Satan is the father of lies (John 8:44).

Hands are described in Scripture in various ways:    

·  Power of God—e.g. Isa 10:13, 41:10, 45:12; 48:13; Jer 32:21; Psalm 89:13

·  Pleasure of God—Psalm 16:11

·  Power of man--Exo 17:11-12, Joshua 8:18, 26; Isa 25:11a, often accompanied by evil-- 

  Eccles 5:6, Isa 25:11b, Jer 25:6-7, Micah 2:1

·  Labor—e.g. Psalm 90:17, Eccles 9:10

·  Relationship to Jesus—John 10:28

·  Healing—Mark 6:5, Acts 28:8, Heb 6:2

·  Commissioning into ministry—I Tim 4:14, II Tim 1:6

Hands and fingers are also prominent in Scripture when you are reminded about Jesus writing on the ground (John 8:6—no one knows what He was writing), using His hands to wash His disciples feet, nails driven into Jesus’ hands, Thomas needing to feel the nail wounds in Jesus’ hands, and hands used to heal, bless, hurt, touch, work, praise God, and, again, all other motor skills. 

A long time friend, Ed Anderson, sent me the following story about a grandfather.  I also dedicate this to my father who right now is 92 years old:

Grandpa, some ninety plus years, sat feebly on the patio bench. He didn't move, just sat with his head down staring at his hands.  I asked him if he was OK.  "Yes, I'm fine, thank you for asking," he said in a clear strong voice.  "Have you ever looked at your hands," he asked. "I mean really looked at your hands?"  I slowly opened my hands and stared down at them. I turned them over, palms up and then palms down. No, I guess I had never really looked at my hands as I tried to figure out the point he was making.  Grandpa smiled and related this story:  "Stop and think for a moment about the hands you have, how they have served you well throughout your years. These hands, though wrinkled, shriveled and weak have been the tools I have used all my life to reach out and grab and embrace life.  They put food in my mouth and clothes on my back. As a child my mother taught me to fold them in prayer. They tied my shoes and pulled on my boots. They have been dirty, scraped and raw, swollen and bent. They were uneasy and clumsy when I tried to hold my newborn son. Decorated with my wedding band they showed the world that I was married and loved someone special. They trembled and shook when I buried my parents and spouse and walked my daughter down the aisle.  They have covered my face, combed my hair, and washed and cleansed the rest of my body. They have been sticky and wet, bent and broken, dried and raw.  And to this day when not much of anything else of me works real well these hands hold me up, lay me down, and again continue to fold in prayer. These hands are the mark of where I've been and the ruggedness of my life.  But more importantly it will be these hands that God will reach out and take when he leads me home. And with my hands He will lift me to His side and there I will use these hands to touch the face of Christ.  

I will never look at my hands the same again. But I remember God reached out and took my Grandpa's hands and led him home.  When my hands are hurt or sore I think of Grandpa. I know he has been stroked and caressed and held by the hands of God. I, too, want to touch the face of God and feel His hands upon my face.

As you continue reading, studying, and understand your Bible, perhaps you will now pay more attention to how many times the use of the word hand or hands are used in Scripture.  Use your hands the way God intended for them to be used.