From the Inside Out

Angie Perez sat on one side of her boss’s massive desk, he on the other. She began a lengthy list of reminders for the day…

“Now at ten o’clock this morning, George, you’re meeting with Sam about the Collins account. All the files you’ll need are in that portfolio. I put them in order from most important to least.” Angie pointed front-and-center with her pen.

“Great. ‘Appreciate you getting them organized.” George smiled. “I’ll need to review this paperwork beforehand—can you hold calls for me till I finish, probably around nine?”

Angie dashed herself a quick note. “Of course. And speaking of calls. Darcy Roberts already phoned, wanting to see you late this afternoon. I postponed her until tomorrow. I figured with your aunt’s seventy-fifth birthday dinner tonight, you’ll want to leave here on time today—maybe even early. You deserve to take a break after last week. Oh, and Aunt Lily’s gift is wrapped and ready to go in that black bag on the credenza.”

“Oh, terrific. Thanks again for picking up the necklace.” George turned to glance behind him at the lovely gift bag Angie had prepared. “You’re probably right about taking off a little early today. I’m exhausted. And good thinking about postponing Darcy. That woman can stretch five minutes of business into a half hour of stories I don’t need to hear.”

…And so, one right-hand administrative assistant sets into motion the day’s activity for one corporate executive.

Wouldn’t it be nice to have a right-hand assistant who took care of life’s unending details?

In reality, we have something far better: a right-hand God.

“I have set the Lord always before me.

Because he is at my right hand,

I will not be shaken”

-Psalm 16:8 (italics added)

With God at my right hand, I have the strongest Protector—able to shield me from trouble much worse than George’s talkative clients:

“The Lord is my strength and my shield;

my heart trusts in him and I am helped.”

Psalm 28:7

God is the wisest Counselor—able to advise on matters much more important than business accounts:

“The Lord gives wisdom,

And from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”

–Proverbs 2:6

God is the sweetest Comforter, offering empathy and support:

“As a father has compassion on his children,

so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him.”

–Psalm 103:13

And our God is the most loyal Advocate:

“We have one who speaks to the Father in our defense—

Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.”

–1 John 2:1

God breathes strength into me by the touch of his hand. Granted, I can’t sense physical contact. But when I hear a hymn or worship song and tears well up, when I read a scripture or passage from a book that speaks directly to a current situation, it’s every bit as expressive of support as a clasp on the shoulder.

Our God is always close at hand, as if standing by, ready to assist however needed. He is always present, holding me by my right hand (Psalm 73:23).

And like a shade tree offering respite from the sweltering summer sun, God offers restful moments from the cares of this world.

“The Lord watches over you—

the Lord is your shade at your right hand.”

–Psalm 121:5

He renews our strength as we rely upon him (Isaiah 40:28-31), and offers the rejuvenation of constant hope because we know our heavenly home is waiting for us (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).

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I praise you, O God, for your presence. You are near as my Friend, ready as my Helper, dependable as my Guide. How breathtaking to consider I am never alone, left to struggle on my own. You are always at my right hand.

(Art & photo credits:  www.hercampus.com; http://www.pinterest.com (2); http://www.reviveourhearts.com; http://www.faithpictures.wordpress.com.)