IN HIS HANDS

Newspapers and magazine articles again are warning us about the future and the dangers it may hold due to climate change, economic trends, political possibilities and cultural decay. Such information may move us to wonder how should we prepare for the future. I am inclined to ask since so much of what is predicted never happens, how can we possibly prepare at all?


Modern intellectuals may truly believe the future can be known, since current trends can point us to "definite" outcomes. But anyone looking at the past can surely see that the future has usually unrolled differently due to sudden changes. About all we can surely count on is that the future will probably surprise us.


I have kept this poem for a couple of decades and consider its message now and then. Finding information on its author, Betty Purser Patten, has so far eluded me, but I give you her fine thoughts in the hope you will find strength in them for today.


The poet's words remind me of what my English professor, Dr. Erhardt Essig, often told us in class, "Poetry - What oft was thought, but ne'er so well expressed."

"IN HIS HANDS"  (by Betty Purser Patten)
We know not what tomorrow brings  Although we plan ahead,
For only God alone can know  The pathway we must tread.

We cannot know the future,  Not one minute nor one hour;
Each circumstance that we must face  Lay only in His power.

It's vital that we live by faith  From minute unto minute,
And trusting that each step we take  He's walking with us in it.

We cannot see the future,  Nor the trials we must face;
But in all things, God promised us,  Sufficiency of Grace.

This alone should give us hope  Whatever be our plans,
In knowing that our future lies  In His great, loving hands.

"There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off." (Proverbs 23:8)

Rev. Robert L. Tasler
http://www.bobtasler.com
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