Resting in God’s Hands
In God’s hands, our lives are safer than in our own, for His grip is steady and sure.
Devotional Credit: Immeasurably More by Ray Stedman
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Ray Stedman points us to the courage of Jeremiah as he stood accused before officials, priests, and prophets. Jeremiah’s life was hanging in the balance, yet he did not flinch, soften his message, or scramble to defend himself. Instead, he placed his life in God’s hands. This is remarkable because the charges against him were serious: treason, blasphemy, and betrayal of the temple and city of God. Still, Jeremiah remained steadfast, urging the people to repent and reminding them that his message came directly from the Lord.
What Stedman draws out here is that Jeremiah did not argue for his own safety or attempt to rescue his reputation. He did not compromise the message to ease the pressure of opposition. Rather, he entrusted his life to the Lord who judges justly. Jeremiah knew that to step back from obedience would be far more dangerous than standing firm in the will of God. The safest place for him was in God’s hands.
Stedman connects Jeremiah’s experience to the example of Jesus Himself. When falsely accused, insulted, and beaten, Jesus did not retaliate. He entrusted Himself to the Father who judges righteously. That same posture is now available to us in Christ. The life of abiding in Him frees us from panic and from the need to vindicate ourselves. When we are misrepresented, opposed, or treated unjustly, our security rests not in our ability to defend ourselves, but in God’s perfect care.
This devotional is a call to yield our reputations, our safety, and even our outcomes into the hands of God. It is an invitation to lay down the exhausting effort of self-defense and rest in the One who knows every detail, who sees every wrong, and who alone has the wisdom to bring truth to light. Stedman reminds us that God’s hands are not only strong, but trustworthy, and He will see us through.
Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
My child, you are never safer than when you are in My hands. Do not be afraid when others misunderstand you or accuse you falsely. Remember that I vindicate My people, for I am the One who judges with justice. In My Son you see the perfect example, for when He was reviled He did not revile in return. When He suffered He did not threaten. He entrusted Himself to Me, and in Him you may do the same.
You are called to speak the truth in love and to walk faithfully in obedience, but the outcome belongs to Me. Do not be consumed with defending your name, for I have already given you a new name and written it in My book. Rest in My care, for I am your refuge and your strength. The world may say that you are alone, but you are never abandoned. In Christ Jesus you are hidden with Me, and no accusation can remove you from My hand.
When you are wronged, let your heart be at peace, for vengeance is Mine. When you are pressed, remember that I am faithful and will not abandon you. What men intend for harm, I am able to weave into good. Entrust yourself fully to Me, and you will find rest for your soul.
Scripture References: Jeremiah 26:12-15, 1 Peter 2:23, Psalm 37:5-6, Romans 12:19, Isaiah 41:10, John 10:28-29, Colossians 3:3, Philippians 4:6-7, 2 Timothy 1:12, Romans 8:31-34.
Real-Life Analogy
Imagine carrying a fragile glass jar across a crowded room. Every bump and jostle makes you tense, afraid you might drop it. Now picture handing it to someone whose hands are steady and sure. You relax, because you know it is safer in their care than in yours. That is what it is like to place your life in God’s hands. The weight and the worry are lifted when you trust the One who never falters.
Today, when someone misunderstands me or speaks against me, instead of scrambling to defend myself, I can rest and whisper, “Lord, I trust You to hold this moment in Your hands. I yield my reputation and outcome to You.”
Prayer of Confidence
Lord, I thank You that my life is secure in Your hands. You are faithful, just, and perfectly wise. I rest in the truth that I do not need to defend myself, for You are my defender. I rejoice that in Jesus I am hidden in You, safe from fear and safe from striving. I walk today with peace, knowing that whatever comes, I remain in Your care.