When God Hides His Hand

⁹ We are given no signs from God;
    no prophets are left,
    and none of us knows how long this will be.
^10 How long will the enemy mock you, God?
    Will the foe revile your name forever?
^11 Why do you hold back your hand, your right hand?
    Take it from the folds of your garment and destroy them!

^12 But God is my King from long ago;
    he brings salvation on the earth.

Psalm 74:9-11

An aging Asaph wrote Psalm 74. A Levite appointed by David as chief musician, Asaph’s group prophesied and led worship in the temple. While no one knows exactly when he penned this hymn, most assume he wrote this dirge just after Egypt attacked Judah and plundered the temple.

There’s no reason to believe Asaph had turned from God. But we know Solomon had allowed his wives to influence his faith. David’s son turned to idols despite the instruction his father had given him. When Solomon’s son began to reign in the divided kingdom, the people in the northern kingdom rejected their Creator, and the folks in the south relegated God to the Holy of holies. We can’t be certain even the priests followed Yahweh one hundred percent.

That’s when Egypt saw her opportunity. Weakened by a divided house and a falling away of faith, Jerusalem couldn’t hold her own against the armies from northern Africa. Meanwhile, Asaph prayed.

The old Levite remembered the glory days of David. He’d been a young trainee when the Ark of the Covenant made its way back to Jerusalem. He’d seen the palaces built and the temple erected. Asaph knew the prosperity and blessings that accompany serving God with all your might. So, when God removed his hand of protection from the young nation, Asaph felt it more than most. After experiencing the power of God during the reign of David, Asaph felt like God had his hands in His pockets.

Asaph challenges us to ask–where are Yahweh’s hands now?

I believe the Bible makes it clear. When we delight ourselves in God and live with a heart turned toward Him, He holds a hand of protection over us. It can be a covering for a single family, a congregation, or an entire nation depending on the hearts of the people and especially the leaders. It seems as though the heart of the leader holds greater weight to the Almighty King. One leader with a heart chasing after God can tip the scale even if a portion of the people reject the Creator.

So when destruction falls there’s a good chance God has had enough and put His hands in His pockets. (Although, if you’ve been faithful and it feels like destruction is falling all around, don’t discount the story of Job and the trials of Paul.) The key to turning things around lies in verse twelve.

Asaph knew trusting in the Creator as the true King was the answer to Judah’s dilemma. He understood Yahweh held the keys to their salvation. Fortunately, the prophet Shemiah relayed the information to Judah’s king. When we read the story of Rehoboam in Kings and Chronicles, we discover the leaders of Judah finally humbled themselves–check out 2 Chronicles 12:12. This change of heart saved the city of Jerusalem from destruction.

So, where are God’s hands right now in your life? Have you abandoned the faith, given up on living for God? Does the Sovereign Lord have His hands in His pockets? Or are you following with all your heart enjoying the protection of his great and mighty outstretched arm?