I Choose Today to Rest Under His Hand

Psalm 139 is one of the most breathtaking pictures of God’s intimate love, care, strength, protection, and empowerment toward us: His beloved. It starts with the psalmist, David, acknowledging how intimately God knows him, the dumb things he does, acts, and says; and yet, God still adores him. So much so that in verse five, David describes God’s hand of cleansing on his head! “You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head.” (Psalms‬ ‭139‬:‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

This blessing signifies God personally bestowing favor, care and approval on His beloved. This is an intimate demonstration of God’s care, as though He is actively and continually giving His grace and goodness to His beloved. God’s hand is not passive; it is caring and protective from all sides, to include the future direction and guidance, as well as protection from the pain and lies of the past.

I picture a loving parent with his hand on his child’s head as they walk along. This is a caring intimate gesture demonstrating

• Belonging: as the father rests his hand lovingly and gently on the child’s head. The child knows by the loving touch how much the father loves them.
• Comfort: as when the father’s hand upon the child’s head brings a sense of comfort knowing the father will protect them at and in every twist and turn.  The child is comforted by having connection, ensuring the child will never get lost or lose their way as long as it stays connected to the father.
• Grace and Goodness: even when the child realizes they made mistakes when they went  their own way and with regret, did things they shouldn’t have done, the father gently guides them back to their rightful place; smiling down with grace for the missteps. All the while the child knowing his father’s goodness for him can be trusted and allow for peace and calmness to be had.

Can you see it in your mind’s eye? Can you feel the gentle hand of God on your head?

Even when we find ourselves in dark places, even there He sees us and uses His loving hand to give us strength and guide us back to the light.

This illustration reassures us that God’s personal and powerful involvement in our lives is constant, gentle, intimate and unshakeable.

Take a moment today to reflect on Psalm 139:5. Close your eyes and imagine God’s gentle hand resting on your head—guiding, protecting, and blessing you. Let this truth sink in: you are seen, known, and deeply loved by Him. Ask Him to lead you in His grace and goodness, trusting that His hand will never let you go. How can you live differently today, knowing His hand is always upon you? How can you share this truth with someone who might need to feel God’s hand upon their life today?