A Hand in the Dark by Helen Khan

If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me. Psalm 139: 9-10

Today, I am going to talk about the right hand. Hopefully no left-handed people take offence!

We talk about a right-hand man. What does that mean? According to the Cambridge Dictionary, it means someone who helps and supports you the most. The use of righthandedness is not limited to the English-speaking world. Early civilizations, including Mesopotamians, Greeks and Romans have exalted the right hand. The right hand of their gods signified healing and benevolence. A strong right-handed culture developed in the Middle East. The person who stands at the right side of an authoritative figure holds the same power and authority as the one in authority. In this honorary position, he/she acts as a viceroy. In present day nations, strongly influenced by Middle Eastern culture, the right hand is used for eating, for beckoning a person to come closer, to say thank you and to provide a blessing.

In the Bible, the right hand of God signifies his omnipotence. His strength is indicated when “the right hand of God overcame Israel’s enemies (Ex. 15:6).

In our verses mentioned above, we see the Psalmist enjoying glorious morning light only to plunge down into darkness. From joy to doldrums. From life to death. From mountain heights to the lowest valley. Have you ever been there? I have. I suspect many have been there too.

But then David gives us hope, a helping hand. God’s hand will lead us, and not just any hand, but his right hand. That all-powerful hand of God will uphold you. Wow! When we feel like there is no one there, no one who can lead us up and out, God is there. And what a God! His right hand will hold us up. David discovered that God could deliver him and save him from the valley, perhaps even the valley of death. And he can do it again, today, for you and me.

Jesus sits at the right hand of God. He is now “seated at the right hand of the power of God”. (Luke 22:69). Jesus is the exact representation of God Almighty. He is the one that rebuked the wind and the sea became calm. He stopped the storm. You can call out today to Jesus and he will calm your storms, lift you up from the darkest valley of despair or death. He holds the right hand of power from the Almighty.

Click Here to read Shrouds Over Eden by Helen Khan