In God's Hands

Contributed by:
Tyler Ward
spiritual formation pastor

This past weekend, Pastor Ron kicked off a new series called Unshakable. In this series, we’re being reminded of the assurance that we find in our God who is unshakable, even in the midst of all the moments in our lives that seem to be quite shaken. In order to do this, we’re focusing on several names of God that we read about in the Scriptures – they reveal to us God’s character and draw us into an ever increasing trust, hope, and confidence in him.
Elohim was the first name that we looked at this past weekend. It’s the very first name for God that we read in the Bible – “In the beginning, God (Elohim) created the heavens and the earth.” [Genesis 1:1] – and it’s a name that implies and emphasizes so many profound things about him…most notably his power, creativity, and deep interest in us as human beings, as displayed in his creating work.

We are reminded in this name that God can do anything, as well as the fact that we have tremendous value and worth to him. As a result, we can be assured that no matter what we experience in life, God is never overwhelmed and will never abandon us.

We are always in his hands, so we have nothing to fear. We can trust him – that he is with us in the chaos, has power over the chaos, and can actually use the chaos to shape us into the people that he created us to be.

As I thought about this, I was reminded of a passage that we read in Philippians 1:6. In this passage, the author wrote that he was confident of this…that “he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” In the Jewish mindset 2000 years ago, when they read a passage like this, there were some words that would have immediately stuck out to them. They would have been drawn to the words that emphasized a beginning, a good work, and completion – and as a result, they would have also been immediately reminded of another story in the Scriptures where similar words were used…in the beginning, God accomplished a work that he looked at and called good, and he carried it to completion.

The implication for them in this is the same that we ought to recognize for ourselves as well – the same Elohim who was at work in creation, who brought everything into existence out of nothing, is at work in us…the same power that is on display in the creation that we see all around us, is at work in our lives. This same God, and this same power and creativity, is accomplishing a good work in us – and no matter what happens to us or around us, he has the desire and ability to use it to shape us and bring this good work to completion in our lives.

So we have no reason to despair or lose heart. Instead we can find tremendous joy, hope, encouragement, and peace in our God who is unshakable.

1. In what ways are you able to see the power and creativity of Elohim on display in the creation that he has made?
2. Why is it still so difficult to trust in God at times, even though he has demonstrated his incredible power, creativity, and concern for you in the work of creation?
3. What are some things you can do to be reminded of God’s power, so that even in the midst of chaos, you will be able to trust in him?
4. What are some examples of times in your life when God used the chaos you were experiencing to shape you and carry out his good work in you?