1 Peter 5:6 English Standard Version
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,
There is a great song written by Bill Gaither, titled “The Unseen Hand.” The first verse and chorus are as follows;
"The Unseen Hand"
There is an unseen hand to me
That leads through ways I cannot see
While going through this world of woe
This hand still leads me as I go
I'm trusting to the unseen hand
That guides me through this weary land
And some sweet day I'll reach that strand
Still guided by the unseen hand
One thing that human beings strive for is to be “in control.”
We love to think that all good things that happen in our life are because of our work, knowledge or expertise.
The bad things however, we rationalize as being out of our control. Not being our fault.
Yes, God gives us abilities or talents and He expects us to use them. However, in the larger picture, we are very limited in what we can control.
The truth of the matter is that our Heavenly Father is in total control of all things. As Christians, His unseen hand leads and guides us along our journey.
Another great gospel song also puts it better than I can. The song is titled “Under Control” and was written by Roger Holmes and Jim Wood. Take a look at lyrics below;
“Under Control”
The Bible speaks of famines and trials
in the last day how they'll sweep through our land
but we have His assurance that through all these trials
we'll be lead, by His mighty hand.
Manna from God will come down from above
to restore and to nourish our soul
so through all of your trials and all of your fears
remember God has it under control.
Now you may be like David of old
and a giant trial you may face,
but just when it seems your standing alone,
you'll find Jesus standing there in your place.
With a stone of faith, your giant will fall
and Jesus all the victory will give.
So today as back then, in this world so full of sin,
remember God has it under control.
Chorus:
Under control (the winds obey Him _____)
Under control (when he speaks, the storms be still)
Oh don't be afraid (Oh, don't be afraid)
Though the billows may roll (the billows may roll)
God's almighty hand (Aaaahhhh)
is still in command (Ah, is still in command)
So rejoice in your soul (rejoice in your soul)
for it's under control (it's under control)
**You can listen to Gold City sing "Under Control" using the audio file at bottom of the page**
God is guiding and controlling events. Humans like to think they are in control of what is happening. Some even think Satan is in control. The truth is that God is in total control. He is working out a purpose, and Satan is subject to Him and can only do what He allows him to do.
No matter what type of valley you find yourself going through, God has a purpose and a lesson that He wants you to learn.
There is a story in the Bible about King Jehoshaphat, King of Judah, who was facing a horde of three strong armies. Jehoshaphat was afraid and sought the Lord in prayer and fasting. The Lord spoke to the King and all of Judah telling them to not be afraid of this great horde, nor be dismayed. God said "This battle is not yours, but mine. You do not have to fight in this battle."
God said "the battle is not yours, but God's." If you are going through a trial or valley, think and meditate on what God told Jehoshaphat. This battle is not yours, but God's.
Jehoshaphat bowed with his face to the ground and along with all of Judah fell down before the Lord in worship.
Jehoshaphat and Judah prevailed as God promised, without putting up a fight. The horde of three armies destroyed themselves in confusion and chaos.
Jehoshaphat didn't have to fight, but he did bow before God in worship and praise. He also depended on God through his faith and trust.
Likewise, this is what we must do as we face our trials. We must worship and praise God for all things. Through our faith and trust, we must depend on God by placing the trial or situation in His hands. In those unseen hands.
This account is found in 2nd Chronicles Chapter 20 and we encourage you to read and study what God's unseen hand did for this King and people.
There are countless stories about people who have had trials to endure, but have come out on the other side as totally changed individuals. Realizing that the trial, however hard or painful, has changed them and taught them a lesson.
We would much rather be on the mountain top than in the valley, but we must always remember that through all of our trials and all of our fears, God has it under control.
No matter how deep your valley might be, turn it over to God. Let Him fight your battle. And remember, as God told Paul “His grace is sufficient for you”
RVH