July 22nd

July 22nd

Read: Psa. 90:17; Prov. 12:24; Eccl. 9:10 and 11:6; Acts 20:34; 1 Th. 4:11-12

I never realized how much I use my hands until my right hand required surgery and was out of commission for several weeks. No writing. No chores which required water. Extreme care about bathing. No creative efforts such as music, crafts, or sewing. I was out of commission, not just my hand!

Jesus was a carpenter. Paul made tents. David used a sling or bow and arrow. Many of the disciples were fishermen. All of them used their hands in their work. The psalmist requested that God would establish the work of the people’s hands, perhaps to  build the temple or the wall of Jerusalem. The virtuous woman of Proverbs 31 (verses 10-31) used her hands to spin flax and wool and make clothing for her family. She used them to cook and to plant a vineyard. She fed the needy and made girdles to sell to the merchants. She served God and her family with her hands. Hands are for service.

HANDS ARE FOR SERVICE
Hands are for service.
Hands are to hold;
Hands are for healing
And warming the cold.
Hands are for giving;
Hands teach and train;
Hands touch the lonely
And ease someone’s pain.

Hands are for doing.
Hands build and paint.
Hands can be tender
Or steady the faint.
God, use my hands now
In service for You.
Fill them with strength, Lord,
And bless my hands too.

Prayer: Dear God, thank You for my hands. Please use them in Your service.