Ecclesiastes 9:1. “For all this I considered in my heart even to declare this, that the righteous, and the wise, and their works, are in the hand of God: no man knoweth either love or hatred by all that is before them.”
SET TO MY HEART. It is not to be ignored; the heart must be given – to God. All of the issues that arise must find a place to focus – on God. All that is said must have a point behind it – God. All that is taught must lead each one to Someone – God. All that is urgent must hasten men to the reason for urgency – the work of God. All that claims the attention of the mind in leisure or in activity – the glory of God. All that is learned that is of lasting value – comes from God. My heart is set in all these – in THE HAND OF GOD.
The thoughts of the wise and all that implies – God knows. The choices to make, good or bad, for us to live right – God knows. The conduct of life that righteousness might prevail – God knows. The things that I read and study and ponder with deep interest – God knows. The vision for tomorrow or the memories of the past – God knows. The classless interest that may be directed to people near or far – God knows. The acts of love planned or unplanned, and those of hatred – God knows. My life with all its activity is – in THE HAND OF GOD.
Age brings along with its shortening days and lengthening nights – wisdom from God. Experience has its burdens and its strengths to pass on to others – for God. Prayers answered and lessons learned in the hard school – are from God. Works that have been accomplished that bring the face-lines – are to bless God. Love that expresses itself without embarrassment has been learned – taught by God. Humility that has been imposed on arrogant shoulders finally is real – thank God. Grace on the lips, mercy in the hand and faith in the life – come from God. My heart is given by experience, and is – in THE HAND OF GOD.
The works that are done, no more to be repeated, are – for God. The monuments of labor done in the dim and distant past, look small – bless them God. The faces I knew and loved and are gone: leave big spaces – with God. The hands that were strong and calloused and firm with work done – to please God. The body once flexible and ready for labor, is now preparing to be – with God. The muscles once used with ease and with pleasure and active – to show God. The tally of work seems so small and insignificant, not – zealous for God. I consider in my heart; and rest – in THE HAND OF GOD.
“To rest in Thee my gracious Father; is such a deep contentment that I cannot express all it means to me. Failures, missed opportunities have haunted me in the past. But I know they are all known to Thee. So, I comfort myself by settling in this place of acceptance and assurance – Thy hand: In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”