WHEN IT DOESN’T FEEL LIKE GOD HAS THE WORLD IN HIS HANDS.
‘God claims the world as his. Everything and everyone belongs to him!’ Psalms 24:1
I can’t remember exactly when I first sang He’s Got The Whole World In His Hands — but it’s a song I never forget. Anyone else remember when they first heard it or how they heard it?
For me, it was simple — church.
Here is a quick music fact.
Did you know the song He’s Got The Whole World In His Hands originated as an African American Spiritual hymn? It was first published in 1927 — nearly 100 years ago. It was later sang by Laurie London and was the first and only gospel song to reach #1 on the Billboard charts. It was the most successful record by a British male in the 1950’s.
Sounds like all that hope — hit home.
Doesn’t it seem the times were so much simpler then? If you read through the lyrics — they are beautiful. Reminds me of kids playing in the street, careless of what is happening around them.
Here’s the words to give a little hum of the tune wherever you are.
He’s got the whole world in His hands
He’s got the whole world in His hands
He’s got the whole world in His hands
He’s got the whole world in His handsHe’s got the itty bitty baby in His hands
He’s got the itty bitty baby in His hands
He’s got the itty bitty baby in His hands
He’s got the whole world in His handsHe’s got a-you and me brother in His hands
He’s got a-you and me brother in His hands
He’s got a-you and me brother in His hands
He’s got the whole world in His handsHe’s got a-you and me sister in His hands
He’s got a-you and me sister in His hands
He’s got a-you and me sister in His hands
He’s got the whole world in His handsHe’s got the whole world in His hands
He’s got the whole world in His hands
He’s got the whole world in His hands
He’s got the whole world in His hands
Tyler Perry recently challenged his friends and musicians to sing this tune and add a little bit of their own to the mix.
It’s inspiring, heart warming and a perfect reminder that — YES, God is dope and He is lookin’ out for you. Know that — trust that — rest in that. Watch this.
Sometimes when I read one of these cheesy verses in the Bible, it doesn’t seem believable. Like, WTF God, why is Covid-19 even happening right now? Why are all these people sick, dying, out of work and really f’n scared.
Why?
I wish I knew — but I don’t.
And, to be honest — no one knows. All we know, is that He does have the world in his hands.
‘Even there Your hand will lead me, And Your right hand will take hold of me. ‘ Psalms 139:10
‘If you bow low in God’s awesome presence, he will eventually exalt you as you leave the timing in his hands.’ 1 Peter 5:6
‘In whose hand is the life of every living thing, And the breath of all mankind? ‘ Job 12:10
The best thing I can do in these moments is remember what Jesus says.
‘Then children were brought to Jesus so that He might place His hands on them [for a blessing] and pray; but the disciples reprimanded them. After placing His hands on them [for a blessing], He went on from there. But He said, “Leave the children alone, and do not forbid them from coming to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” ‘ Matthew 19:13–15
I think I’ll leave you with that.
Maybe we just need to be more like children in these moments. Rest in the fact that God is doing something we don’t know about. It’s a hard pill to swallow — but you’re still alive.
Let’s pray:
I don’t know what is happening — but you do. Help me to be like a child. Have child like faith. Believe in you and who you are. That’s all I can do right now. Help me Lord. Amen.
