29 April | Teens
«For I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way: because we had spoken unto the king, saying, The hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek him; but his power and his wrath is against all them that forsake him.» Ezra 8: 22
In Ezra 8:22, we learn about the mighty “hand of God.” Ezra, a very wise leader, had a great task: to lead the people back to Jerusalem. But he knew the journey would be perilous. He said: “The hand of our God is upon all those for good who seek Him, but His power and His wrath are against all those who forsake Him.” This means that God protects and helps those who trust in Him.
Thinking of the “hand of God” is like imagining a parent holding their child's hand to script it. When we trust God and ask for His help, He guides us and cares for us, as a father cares for his child. A psalm I love says, “Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the Lord upholds him with His hand.” You know, even when we face difficult or scary situations, we can remember that God's hand is with us, not letting us fall, protecting us, always!
Take Action
Ask your parents or grandparents to place their hand on a piece of paper. With a pencil, outline their hand, creating a design. Then, color or decorate the drawing however you like. This drawing will be a reminder of God's protection and care, just as a parent or grandparent protects and cares for you. Place this picture in a place where you can see it every day, to remember that, just as Ezra trusted, you can trust in God's protection and care, too.