The Good Hand of God versus the Backhand of God - Part One
“The hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek him; but his power and his wrath is against all them that forsake him." Ezra 8:22b (KJV)
In the game of tennis it is beneficial to have a repertoire of three different types of shots: the serve, the forehand and the backhand. The backhand shot is usually considered to be a more difficult shot than forehand as many people have trouble with it. The explanation for this is that the backhand shot is on the left side of the body. Most people typically are uncomfortable with movements that originate on the left side of their bodies. They are challenged with the use of the arm and hand in this manner but also with judging distances and coordinating the arm movement. However, once the backhand shot is perfected, it can prove to be very effective!
Outside the world of tennis, a backhand shot or blow can be utilized as a course of punitive action. Its purpose is to correct behavior or mete out judgment due to a rebellious response to the reproof or correction. In the Christian life, we can either experience the blessing representing the good hand of God or judgment representing the backhand of God. This analogy is an example of anthropomorphic language. Oftentimes the scriptures will employ anthropomorphic language to assist us in understanding how the eternal God, who is Spirit, engages in our lives and the world He created. For example:
But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD. - Genesis 6:8 (KJV)
For we will destroy this place, because the cry of them is waxen great before the face of the LORD; and the LORD hath sent us to destroy it. Consider what scripture has to say about the Hand of God on his people! - Genesis 19:13 (KJV)
Then the magicians said unto Pharaoh, This is the finger of God: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said. - Exodus 8:19 (KJV)
For the eyes of the LORD are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but theface of the LORD is against them that do evil. - 1 Peter 3:12 (KJV)
Furthermore, our opening verse speaks about the hand of God.
The hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek him; but his power and his wrath is against all them that forsake him. - Ezra 8:22b (KJV)
In the Word of God we see His hand on His people by His provisions of prosperity, protection, prominence, power and peace.
Thy right hand, O LORD, is become glorious in power. - Exodus 15:6a (KJV)
And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory: and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD shall name. Thou shalt also be a crown of glory in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God. - Isaiah 62:2-3 (KJV)
For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. - Psalms 95:7a (KJV)
With a strong hand, and with a stretched out arm: for his mercy endureth forever. - Psalms 136:12 (KJV)
Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me. - Psalms 139:5 (KJV)
Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. -Psalms 139:10 (KJV)
Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing. - Psalms 145:16 (KJV)
I encourage you to ask yourself: Would you like the good hand of God or the backhand of God in your life?
My fellow servants and children of the Most High God: have you personalized the hand of God in your life? You will not be able to experience the beneficial hand of God if you keep putting your hands in the way or trusting the hands of man.
There is an insurance company states that their clients are in “good hands” when they trust the company with their insurance needs. However, there are no hands better or greater than God's hands. Remember, He has the whole world in His hands! Now apply this to your own life. No matter what you are experiencing at this moment, rest assured: God has got it!
For the Glory of God,
PBKSR