There Is a Hand...

Psalm 139:23-24

Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:

 And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

 Savior, Lead Me Lest I Stray

 

There is a Hand to which faith clings with confidence secure

A hand that fits us with armor that fits us for the fight

And helps us in thick of opposition to endure

As we trust His command and make His love our chief delight

As we rely on He who tries and tests our hearts and minds

To see if there be any wicked way that persists still

To mar His perfect peace because of pride that blindly binds

Us to the pattern of this world rather than to His will

There is a Hand that draws us to the comfort of His Word

He leads in paths of righteousness through valleys of despair

And fills us with fresh wonder for His mercies, undeterred

To we, often forgetful of His faithful, loving care

He guides and keeps, while calling sheep still wandering and lost

His arms always wide open to welcome prodigals back

To kiss His hands, scarred with reminders of redemption’s cost

Hands still outstretched to all who still reject love without lack

© Janet Martin

Psalm 34:8-14

Taste and see that the Lord is good;

blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.

9Fear the Lord, you his holy people,

for those who fear him lack nothing.

10The lions may grow weak and hungry,

but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.

11Come, my children, listen to me;

I will teach you the fear of the Lord.

12Whoever of you loves life

and desires to see many good days,

13keep your tongue from evil

and your lips from telling lies.

14Turn from evil and do good;

seek peace and pursue it.