You're in Good Hands

 

One of the largest insurance companies in the United States assures us that “You are in good hands with Allstate™.”  That line has been part of the company’s ads since 1950!  I am certain you couldn’t name the man who is the voice of their commercials, but Dennis Dexter Haysbert’s rich baritone voice is familiar to us all. At the end of their ‘Mayhem’ commercials, he asks, “Are you in good hands?”   

Because we know that accidents happen, storms come, and property gets damaged, we buy a policy that will help us to get things fixed, rebuild what’s broken. And, we want to know that the company that issues that policy isn’t operating out of somebody’s garage with limited resources. There is a kind of security in knowing that if an accident should happen that we are in good hands!

This Monday morning, I want to remind you that you’re in good hands!  At the close of our worship service at Faith Discovery yesterday, I offered this familiar and rich benediction from the Scripture.  "To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen." (Jude 24-25, NIV)  It’s not just an advertising slogan, it is the Truth of God, words to live by.

We are going to encounter things, this week, this month, that will turn our lives upside down. No matter how well we think that we have prepared for life, there will be those unanticipated moments: crises brought on by accident, temptation, storm, unpredictable people. Anxiety is the ‘common cold’ of mental health in our time with about 1 in 5 Americans experiencing it at a high enough level that it effects their everyday lives!  No, it’s not just worry. 

Anxiety is that persistent static in the mind that keeps us on edge, unable to enjoy other people, awake in the night, and at high enough levels even leading to depression. The response to danger that serves us well when we are truly threatened by sharpening our senses and enabling a quick flight or decision can become a crippling thing when it gets stuck in the ‘on’ position!

Christian, God offers us the promise of His peace. He says to us “I am able to keep you!”  We should know that we are in good hands, the hands of the eternal Father who will, from His rich resources, give us eternal life, keeping us secure in His grace. Will you make the choice to trust Him today? Paul, a man who knew more than his share of difficulties, teaches how to find the peace of God.  He says "Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7, NLT)  

“Tell God … “  Your prayers do not have to be shaped with the precision of a legal document, with the eloquence of a polished speech, or like a poem. Just talk with God. Share your heart. Present yourself, your concerns, your needs – to Him, with a thankful heart. Remind yourself of Who He is, what He has done, and of His promises.  You are in good hands!

The word from the Word is another familiar benediction, a passage from my favorite book of the Bible. These are words to live by. Own them today and be at peace.  "Now glory be to God! By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope. May he be given glory in the church and in Christ Jesus forever and ever through endless ages. Amen." (Ephesians 3:20-21, NLT)

_________

Thrive

(Casting Crowns reminds us that
God has good things prepared for us!)

Here in this worn and weary land

Where many a dream has died

Like a tree planted by the water

We will never run dry

So living water flowing through

God we thirst for more of You

Fill our hearts and flood our souls

With one desire

Just to know You and to make You known

We lift Your name on high

Shine like the sun make darkness run and hide

We know we were made for so much more

Than ordinary lives

It's time for us to more than just survive

We were made to thrive

Into Your Word we're digging deep

To know our Father's heart

Into the world we're reaching out

To show them who You are

Joy unspeakable

Faith unsinkable

Love unstoppable

Anything is possible

We were made to thrive

Mark Hall | Matthew West

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