Perhaps the two most famous pictures of hands are “Praying Hands,” also known as “Study of the Hands of an Apostle,” a pen-ink drawing by Albrecht Duer, created in 1858, and Michaelangelo’s “Creation of Adam,” painted on the Sistine Chapel ceiling, completed during the years 1508 and 1512.
I looked what you just read after looking at my own hands one day, as I sat quietly in a chair, noticing the difference that the years have wrought. But not only did I notice the big and little details of my hands; I also noticed the unique message being conveyed by the physiological changes of my hands. I pondered about the 77 ½ years that my hands have been through. Oh my! They have been through various things, everything, and a variety of eventful circumstances and everyday changes over the decades. My hands borrowed a part of David’s words, “I once was young, but now I’m old…” Smile!
These hands of mine have labored hard, lifted heavy weights, landed on courts and playgrounds, and they have loudly played. They have been folded as I privately prayed and patiently endured the various seasons of the calendar year, as well as the progressive seasons of life. By the grace of God, I still, as we say in church, still have the activity of my hands. Thus, these hands of mine are a picture, perhaps not as iconic as the two mentioned in the paragraph above, but certainly they present a portrait that tell multiple stories; a story filled with God’s love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, cleansing, and a plethora of chances to get it right.
Now stop right now! Stop looking at these hands of mine and takes some time and look at your hands. What story do they tell? Do they shout out about the goodness of God? Do they tell of the creative, incomparable abilities of our Almighty God based on what experiences your hands have been through? Are they being used in kingdom building for God in multiple, many, or any possible ways? What does the picture of your hands communicate to you?
Think about it, my friend! Then, after meditating, raise your hands and say, “Praise the Lord!” Make where you are standing a sanctuary, and “Lift your hands in your sanctuary! Lift your hands and give God some praise! Lift your hands and be a witness for the Lord! Have a great day! Be blessed!
“…aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands…” (I Thessalonians 4:11 English Standard Version)
Committed to the climb,
Mark L. King
My hands have provided many positive and meaningful acts of kindness. There were times that my hands were used to discipline my children and I don’t know that was the best use for them although I know teaching needed to happen in those cases; maybe in a different way. My hands will always give thanks and praise to the Lord for all He the blessings and correction I have received. These hands will focus on glorifying Him in all that I attempt to do.
Thank God for your hands! Be blessed!
Spoken like a true Momma and Daughter of The King! Thank you for using your hands sis. Its teaching the rest of us to do likewise!!
Great meditation Dr. Mark!! May our lives and hands forever tell the story of His goodness!
Your feedback is motivational, being it is coming for a person of the pen. Thank you! Be blessed!