Psalm 31:15 - Our Times in God's Hand

My times are in your hand. -- Psalm 31:15.

ALL of Jehovah's consecrated servants devoted their lives to sacrifice when they became followers of the Lamb, and if they could but realize their consecration continually, they would be ready for the consummation at any moment at Jehovah's pleasure and by whatever means or channel His providences may permit. Jehovah's consecrated ones of the Elijah class are to remember that not a hair of their heads could fall without their Father's knowledge and permission, and the attitude of their hearts should be that expressed by our dear Redeemer -- the Head of the Elijah body -- "The cup which My Father hath poured for me, shall I not drink it?" The language of their hearts should be that expressed by the poet:

    "Content whatever lot I see,

    Since 'tis my God that leadeth me."

` Based on an excerpt from "Faint Not Because of Evil Doers", ZWT, August 1, 1904. Edited to present God's Holy Name as "Jehovah".

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The child of God should not think that God promises that the servant of Jehovah will not be persecuted, or that if persecution comes, he will remove the persecution so that no physical harm will come. Indeed, persecution often brings death. The child of God should understand that persecution in the name of Christ is part of our sacrifice with Christ. Nevertheless, Jehovah can stop persecutors if it is His desire, and yet the actual deliverance for the child of God is that of strength from God that enables us not to yield to the persecutor's demands. Suppose the persecutor demands that we in some way or form renounce our consecration, or in some manner undermine our related faith in Christ. In that case, we are assured that God is aware of what is happening and that He, through Christ, will be with us to help us in such times in accordance with our faith in him. It is up to us, however, to put our trust and faith in the Heavenly Father, and not think that we can conquer such persecution without Him.

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All that happens to us as well as in the world will have to conform to Jehovah's will. Therefore, when we are to die is not according to our will, but according to the times that are in Jehovah's hand. All that happens to those who belong to Christ as well as anything that happens in the world has to conform to the times as God has planned them. What he has determined cannot be stopped, thus, nothing can happen at any time that would upset Jehovah's own time features that he has set. Thus, the child of God should raise his eyes above all the evil that now is, and realize how transient any disturbance is in this present evil age. Viewing all that happening as though lifted up to see all through Jehovah's eyes, the faith of one who belongs to Christ will be enabled to endure any suffering under any situation. Faith can firmly trust Him, come what may.

Related Scriptures:

Psalm 7:1

Psalm 17:8,9

Psalm 71:10-12

Psalm 116:15

Psalm 142:6

Psalm 143:3

Psalm 143:12

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Daniel 9:24-27

Daniel 12:11-13

Luke 23:46

John 12:27

John 13:1

John 17:1

Acts 1:6

Galatians 4:4

Romans 5:6

1 Timothy 2:6

1 Timothy 6:15

1 Peter 2: 23

Revelation 6:11

Revelation 11:2,3

Revelation 14:15

Related Studies Online
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"My Times Are in Thy Hand" - C. H. Spurgeon