If you’ve watched the news or scrolled through social media lately, you know that we live in a hurting world. A world where Christians are persecuted and imprisoned for their faith. Where adults and children are enslaved in human trafficking. Where innumerable little ones are lost to abortion and their families victimized by lies. . . It seems that everyday we are assailed with one heartbreaking story after another. But as I prayed and wept over these tragedies, God’s Holy Spirit reminded me of the precious hope we have through the Cross.
The only hope that can overcome the darkness. The only hope that will last for eternity. Hope that so many have yet to embrace. And I wrote this poem . . .
In The Palms of His Hands
by Shadia Hrichi
I look on the world – and mourn.
So much suffering;
So much injustice.
Yet You see all things;
You know all things;
You hold the world in the palms of Your hands.
I look on the Cross – and tremble.
So much suffering;
So much injustice.
But You see all things;
You know all things;
You took our sin in the palms of Your hands.
I look on my soul – and weep.
Sprinkled with cries of compassion;
Showered with songs of mercy.
For You see all things;
You know all things;
You hold my life in the palms of Your hands.
For You looked on my soul – and died.
Shedding cleansing tears of compassion;
Spilling crimson drops of mercy.
For You see all things;
You know all things;
You purchased my soul in the palms of Your hands.
And You look on the world – and mourn.
So much suffering;
So much injustice.
For You see all things;
You know all things;
You purchased their souls in the palms of Your hands.
Now I look on the world – and tremble.
So little compassion;
So little mercy.
For it mourns not for Your suffering;
It weeps not for the blood shed in the palms of Your hands.
Oh Lord Jesus, how we thank You that though we did not know You, You came down to us – giving us Your very life – that we many live through You. Because of Your great mercy, we may declare “we are engraved in the palms of Your hands.” Yes, for this was Your great pleasure.
“Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands.” (Isaiah 49:15-16 ESV)
Shadia is a passionate Bible teacher, author and speaker who has a heart for seeing lives transformed by the power of God’s Word. She holds a master’s in biblical and theological studies from Western Seminary and is author of several books and Bible studies.
It is comforting to read this, because the things happening today are so deeply disturbing. It helps to remember that many people feel the same about these terrible events. I am praying daily for the persecuted church, and those in harm’s way in the Middle East. I wish I could do more. Thanks for sharing this! Blessings!
Blessings, Columba. Thank you for your tender words…yes, it is deeply comforting to know that so many of God’s servants are praying for His precious children in harm’s way…praise God He gets the last Word and He will wipe every tear from their eyes. To Him be all the Glory!
Touched my heart deeply, as it has hurt deeply for all that you mentioned, Shadia.
Lord, how I pray that all who know You also know Your ever-presence, even in the midst of deepest trial. The time will come when every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. As we wait, help us to be on our knees as well, never-ceasing in our prayers for those who do not yet know You. Amen…..
What a sweet reply, dear Sandi. Amen and amen.