The hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek him

Ezra 8:22

For I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way: because we had spoken unto the king, saying, 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.

Here we find the children of Israel who were coming back from Babylon under Ezra stopping and fasting at the river of Ahava. Before they began the trek across the desert to Jerusalem, they wanted to seek God’s mercies and favor along the way. They did not want to ask the king to provide them soldiers to protect them from any nomads and stalkers that they could encounter along the way. Why did they not do this? It was a faith matter. They already told the king that “the hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek him.” Therefore, it would be contradictory to then ask for soldiers. Could they trust God or not? If this was something He put in their hearts to do, and He had called them to this, then they had nothing and no one to fear. To ask for soldiers would be to mistrust God and His hand upon them. And that is why they fasted by the river; for they needed God’s guidance that they could know a right way for them.

Now, my friends, for an immediate application this morning, we must come back to trusting implicitly in the Lord and His guiding, protecting hand upon us. If He has given us an assignment, if He has tasked us with a duty that is to be performed for Him, we should not worry or fret over any danger or opposition that we may encounter. For the hand of the Lord is upon all them for good that seek Him! Are you seeking Him? Have you fasted and prayed? Have you at least inquired of Him as to what you are to do, and sought with the best of your ability to abide in that will? For you see, when I am in the Lord’s will, I will fear no evil. For Thou art with me! No concern is needed! No anxiety! No worry! No trepidation along the path! We must go forward in the work of God, trusting Him!

Beloved, this morning I simply say to you: whatever the Lord has entrusted to your care, and whatever He has made clear to be His will, obey at once and with faith. Believe in His protection, His guidance, and His blessing. And if you are not sure yet what His will is, seek Him sincerely and diligently this day, so that you may walk in the right way. And surely, as you seek Him, He shall make all things plain.

“Dear Father, we are seeking You this morning, so that we may walk in the way set before us. May the still small voice of God behind us beckon us either to the right hand or to the left. And when that happens, we shall obey You at once. And then we will trust that the hand of God is always upon all them for good that are seeking You. For good! And only for good! All things work together for good to them that love God! It shall work out! Your hand shall guide, protect, and bless us. And we trust in You for these things, and we praise You for them. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”