The Work of His Hands

As we have traveled through the Psalms this summer, many Psalms have remained close to my heart through the years. I often find myself returning to Psalm 138, especially verse 8. I don’t always remember every detail of the first seven verses, but the first time I truly noticed verse 8, it grabbed my attention.

David prayed, “Do not abandon the works of Your hands.” He could have simply said, “Don’t abandon me,” but instead he described himself as the work of God’s hands. What a bold prayer.

As a dad, I know what it means to care for my children. My wife and I have been blessed with them, and I cannot imagine willingly abandoning them or refusing to care for them. In a similar way, David’s prayer reminds us that God lovingly created us. He took the time to make us, shape us, and form us. David knows God would never abandon the very work of His own hands.

When we read the rest of Psalm 138, we understand why David prayed with such confidence. God answers when His people call (v. 3). God is great (v. 5). Though He is exalted, He still cares for those on earth  (v. 6). He preserves our lives in the midst of trouble, stretches out His hand against our enemies, and saves us (v. 7). Finally, David declares, “The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me” (v. 8).

As I have walked with Christ through the ups and downs of life, I have only grown more confident in His promises. God’s Word reminds us in Romans that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:38–39). Because we belong to Him, we can rest in the assurance that He will never abandon the works of His hands.