In reading 1 Kings 15, and in looking at events here in our time, I can’t help but be struck by the impact in everyday lives of events beyond our control. In the war currently being waged in Ukraine, there are still children who need cancer treatments as we saw last night on 60 Minutes. In every country people experience events they never experienced before with illness, aging, disease. The hardest part in that is not knowing what will be next.

When our Mom was going through her last months and experiencing changes she had no preparation for, I found comfort in my brother-in-law’s words so true then and so true now for her, for him and for us. She (He) is in God’s hands.

We are each one of us in God’s hands always. There is such comfort in that especially when we have no idea what will be next whether in illness, disease, aging, war, poverty, in uncertainty. Is anything truly certain? Do you know for certain what will happen to you today, tomorrow, a year from now? When you are old? No.

I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you. Genesis 28:15.

For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Isaiah 41:13.

The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Deuteronomy 31:8.

Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you. Isaiah 46:4.

This chapter recounts for us kings of Israel and Judah who followed God and those who did not. A succession hard to keep up with. But to every person living in every age, we have God who is faithful and true. He doesn’t change like shifting shadows, like we do. He who created us loves us.

It may seem like forever this waiting for God’s Kingdom to come for everyone; but for every one of us, our lives are but a breath in time. Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 2 Corinthians 1:1-4.

He reminded me this morning each person walks their walk with Him. That is the equalizer for all of us. Kings of old; kings and rulers today; everyday ordinary people no matter their status or age. We each of us walk a personal walk with Him who loves us. Into His hands always we find hope, meaning, Love, protection, strength and peace. Into Your hands, Lord. Always. Help me keep my eyes on You when life is in turmoil for me and for those I love. Through the whirlwind of emotions, show me how to keep my eyes on You, my center of calm. You have us. Always.