“Thou hast enclosed me behind and before, And laid Thy hand upon me.” – Psalm 139:5
My mom savors photographs. For as long as I can remember, she has enjoyed taking pictures and arranging them in albums. I still benefit from her hobby because I can flip through one of her many books and easily stroll down memory lane. (Thanks, Mom!)
Back in the days when Mom had her pictures developed, I remember her urging us kids not to get fingerprints on the photos. So we handled each one very carefully as we eagerly viewed them before she permanently placed them in an album. Just the trace of fingerprints could mar their overall appearance.
It’s occurred to me, though, that God’s fingerprints are all over each of us. Rather than diminishing our appearance, they give us our appearance. He lovingly created us in His image and sustains us throughout our lifetime. His personal mark on each of us reveals His unfathomable power, His interest in every individual, and His tender care. Our very existence displays God’s fingerprints. The living God, the one true God, the Beginning and the End fashioned each one of us. Our body bears the evidence of His touch.
Yet we also possess a spirit–that part of us made to commune with God, to worship and adore Him. To be loved and nurtured by Him. Unless His touch has transformed our spirit and made us alive through Christ, this integral portion of our being won’t exhibit His fingerprints. Sadly, there are many people whose body reveals God’s touch, but whose spirit remains untouched. Lifeless … dead.
My friend, which are you?
For those who know Christ as Lord and Savior, the presence of His fingerprints–inside and out–comforts and strengthens us … fills us with joy. His hand is upon us.
For those who acknowledge God as Creator but haven’t accepted His Son, Jesus Christ, as Savior, I pray He’ll use this devotional to touch your spirit–to reach into places you’ve tried to ignore or haven’t even contemplated–and inspire you to seek Him with all your heart.
God loves you. May His fingerprints make an indelible mark upon your spirit.
Much love in Christ, Emily
“… if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved” – Romans 10:9
Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net
