In the midst of his incredible trials, Job offered a matter-of-fact reality in these words: “For man is born for trouble, as sparks fly upward” (Job 5:7).  Solomon was considerably more cynical when he framed it this way: “For all his days are sorrowful, and his work burdensome; even in the night his heart takes no rest. This also is vanity” (Ecclesiastes 2:23).

No doubt life can seem pretty tough and futile at times.  Whether we observe the apparent hopelessness of the world politics and looming terror or simply look around at our circle of friends and family, it is apparent that we have enough pain and disappointment to go around.

As a pastor for 26 years, I have often felt the heaviness of sitting with a dying parishioner, counseling a heart-broken and desperate parent, or praying with a deeply discouraged brother in Christ.  In recent days, I find that I am listening to many friends describing unprecedented financial problems that are negatively affecting their family, relationships, and emotions very deeply.  I find myself talking to myself about the same themes.

The economic forecasts and cultural trends are enough to leave any of us reeling in bewilderment.  Before you know it, you can find yourself in a funk.  Have I thoroughly depressed you yet?

The Bible says of the Lord, “You open Your hand, they are filled with good” (Psalm 104:28).  No matter how tough life gets, we can still experience abundant goodness.  The key to this rests in our answer to two questions.  First, where are you looking?  Second, what are you thinking?

Where Are You Looking? 

Too often we look to the wrong sources for blessing.  If we are not careful, we can start expecting good from sources that can never meet our expectations.  People, circumstances, weather, health, finances, careers, and events cannot provide ultimate happiness.  We can sometimes be like the guy who stood in front of a common vending machine after depositing his three quarters, expecting a new car to suddenly pop out.

The Psalmist declared, “I will lift up my eyes to the hills — From whence comes my help? My help comes from the LORD Who made heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1-2).  Psalm 145:15-16 reiterates, “The eyes of all look expectantly to You, and You give them their food in due season. You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing.”

It is important to look past the people, problems, perils, and pains of life to see the good hand of God.  We must look to Him as our ultimate and only source of real goodness.  He wants to pour his blessing, presence, and provision into our hearts everyday, no matter how tough life gets.  The question is, will we recognize it and receive it by keeping the proper focus?

What Are You Thinking?  

I find it so helpful to fix my thoughts not on what I see, experience, or feel – but on what I know to be true.  Isaiah 26:3& 4 reminds us, “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal” (NIV).  Goodness comes to the one who fixes his mind on things that are true.

I remember one occasion at a recent Prayer Summit when we as participants were all reflecting on the many blessings of those days of worship, prayer, and fellowship.  I commented on how the Lord had satisfied the deep needs and longings of our hearts, as only He can do.  I repeated the verse again, “You open you hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing.” Then I suggested, “Let’s take some time to thank the Lord for the satisfaction He has accomplished in us by opening His hand of provision.  Who would finish the sentence, ‘Lord, You have opened Your hand and satisfied my desire for…?’” 

As we often do, I encouraged a group response, taking my cue from Psalm 104:28, “You open Your hand, and they are filled with good.” I asked the group to echo a response by saying, “And we are filled with good!” It took off immediately.

People cried out:

“Lord, You have opened Your hand and satisfied my desire for forgiveness.”

“Lord, You have opened Your hand and satisfied my desire for acceptance.”

“Lord, You have opened Your hand and satisfied my desire for renewed joy.”

“Lord, You have opened Your hand and satisfied my desire for peace.”

The responses went on for many minutes and were as personal and unique as the depths of each heart.  We were amazed at the power of God’s hand to minister satisfaction in such practical ways.  With deep enthusiasm we were able to echo, “And we are filled with good!”

Regardless of your current trials and burdens, consider this exercise for your own soul.  He has opened His hand.  He is opening His hand.  He will open His hand, and satisfy your desires.  And you will be filled with good.