The Palm of His Hand

{we heart it}

Several years ago, I heard someone talking about how God had watched over and protected them, how He had cared for them in their time of need.  I will never forget what they said, because it struck me as so sincere.  They said, "God had me in the palm of His hand."  It was a strange phrase at first, but as I've thought about it again and again over the years, its a phrase I've come to really love.  And the past two weeks, the phrase hasn't left my mind.  Maybe its because so many of Matt and I's "uncertains" have recently become sorta-certains.  Maybe its because Chicago is finally starting to feel like home.  Maybe its I'm getting older and really starting to reflect on the blessings surrounding me.  Whatever it is, I can't shake the phrase.  God has me in the palm of His hand.

The phrase itself is simple, nine words total.  But the idea of being held in the palm of someone's hand is so profound.  Think about the care and attention that goes into keeping something safe in the palm of your hand.  You have to shape your hand just right, cupped enough to be protective, yet open enough to allow breath and development.  When something is in the palm of your hand, you can't forget its there, its always on your mind.  Your arm may tire, you may encounter other things that need your attention, but you hold steady, tending to the small thing in the palm of your hand, with thought and unending care.

I've realized recently that's how God cares for me.  He has me in the palm of His hand.  Steady and certain, wrapped in unmistakable care.  Even when I thought He wasn't there, even when I didn't understand His plan, He had me.  Right there.  In the palm of His hand.

A year and a half ago, I faced a major obstacle at school that at the time, felt like it was the end of the world.  I was heartbroken and angry, and I was sure God has forgotten about me.  But now, on the other side of that obstacle, I see how wrong I was.  God was there, He didn't forget me.  He had me in the palm of His hand.  When Matt and I ventured out to a new city, knowing only two people, God took care of us.  He held us in His palm and taught us a lot about the strength and love of our marriage.  When I faced fear and rejection, He was present.  When I said this is hard, He was there.  When I said, "God, where are you?" he had me.  In the palm of His hand.

As I look back on the past year or so, I think of all the question marks, the doubt, the uncertainty.  I think of all the celebrations, the small victories, and the life lessons learned.  I think of how random and haphazard it seemed at the time.  But now, on the other side of it, I see it differently.  I see how I was cared for, with kindness and attention.  I see how I was thought about, with detail and wisdom.  I see how even when I wanted things my way, He knew better.  Hindsight is always easier, but this hindsight is different.  This hindsight is informing me of whats happening right now and what will continue happen each and every day of my life.  As I type, as I plan for the future, as I love my family and friends, as I struggle, as I celebrate, as I prepare for new beginnings.  God has me.  Safe and sound, wrapped in care, with His plan in mind.  And nothing is more comforting to know.

God has me in the palm of His hand.