I fondly remember a song from my childhood. Even as an adult, it still resonates with me, especially when I’m struggling with worries and questions or when circumstances threaten to drag me down. The song has several verses, but two impact me deeply. Referring to God, the poet writes: “He’s got the whole world in His hands,” and in another verse, he makes it even more personal: “He’s got you and me, brother, in His hands.” What he is expressing is that our world is not out of control, even though it may seem that way to us. Although God allows certain things that we don’t understand, this naturally raises questions. Sometimes, we may even question God’s actions. This children’s song aims to help us understand that God has not lost control. Invisible to our eyes, God is working behind the scenes, steering the events of all humanity, including us. Even though He has given humans free will, the ultimate outcome is according to His plan and works for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). A story from the Old Testament clearly illustrates this point.
Joseph, a young man, was sold into slavery by his own brothers. As his father’s favorite, his dreams and his lifestyle did not appeal to them. He was hated and eventually rejected. Fast forward almost 30 years, and here we are. He reconciled with his brothers, and the entire family was relocated to Egypt, where they were provided for during a time of widespread famine. When their father dies, the brothers fear Joseph’s revenge. As he stands before them, Joseph’s entire life flashes before his eyes. Taking everything into account, he concludes: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives” (Genesis 50:20). Joseph’s path was a difficult one. Some people may find themselves in a situation like Joseph’s, perhaps even you. Unexplainable circumstances, hurts inflicted by others, unjust accusations, physical ailments, and many other struggles. Understandably, these events don’t seem to make sense to us. We are confused – we ask questions. But for now, we find no answers. At least, not yet.
The details of Joseph’s life were documented, providing us with two lessons:
1. We cannot avoid difficulties and injustices. Joseph’s life was probably far more difficult at times than we can imagine. God never promised that we would be spared from life’s storms, but He promised to be with us in them. In Acts 7, we find Stephen’s rebuttal. Before the assembled Jews, he tells of the patriarchs of Israel, including Joseph and his life story. He summarizes: “But God was with Joseph” (Acts 7:9). And suddenly, Joseph’s biography takes on a whole new meaning, and we realize, as the song says, “He’s got you and me [and Joseph] in His hands.”
2. Joseph’s brothers intended to harm him. What they did was wrong—not only against Joseph but also against their father, Jacob. Sold into slavery, Joseph was taken by traders to a foreign land, where he had to live in a pagan environment. It seemed that God remained silent through it all. Our human nature will often ask, “Why does God allow this?” Even then, God remains silent. These are distressing situations. God has provided little about the details of our path but promised to be with us and assured us of a good ending. Joseph’s story is the prime example of this truth. In His plan, God used even the evil actions of Joseph’s brothers to lead to a positive conclusion. Of course, it’s clear in Joseph’s life, but in our own lives, it’s not always easy to see. Do you know why this is? The ending of our life story is not revealed to us. And because we are human, fear and worry combine to make life more difficult.
I realize that God wants to encourage us through the numerous “Do not fear” verses in the Bible. It would be one thing if this message came from me, but these three words are guaranteed by the living and great God who loves us. When the Creator of heaven and earth says, “Do not fear,” it changes everything. It’s as if God is assuring us, “Don’t worry, I’ve got this!” When we take these words to heart, suddenly everything looks different. It reminds me of a bookmark that’s been in my Bible for years. A little girl gave it to me for my birthday. When I see it, I can’t help but smile. “You and I, we’ve got this” – God.
The secretary of the great English statesman Oliver Cromwell (1599-1658) was dispatched on an important mission to Europe. He stayed overnight in a harbor city, tossing and turning in his bed, unable to sleep. According to custom, his servant stayed in the same room, and he slept soundly. Eventually, the secretary woke up his servant, explaining, “I fear something will go wrong on this trip.” “My lord,” said the servant, “may I ask you a few questions? Did God rule the world before you were born?” “Certainly, He did,” replied his lord. “And will He continue to rule it after you’re gone?” asked the servant. “Of course, He will,” answered his lord. “Then, my lord, let Him govern the present as well!” In just a few minutes, both the secretary and his servant were sound asleep.
The servant had made an accurate assessment of the situation. God holds the whole world, including us, in His hands. My dear friend – let me encourage you to trust God’s words: “Do not fear!” In many cases, this statement is supplemented, like in the prophecy of Isaiah. There we read: “For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you!’” (Isaiah 41:13).
The psalmist David draws this conclusion in Psalm 56:4: “In God I have put my trust; I will not fear.” I quietly speak these words to myself. Why don’t you do likewise?
Harry Semenjuk
Wetaskiwin, AB
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