December 31, 2023
SEEING GOD’S HAND

Anne Marie Oborn, Courtesy Church History Museum

The Spoken Word, December 31, 2023
Rebroadcast from January 8, 2023
By: Lloyd D. Newell

Many years ago, a man resolved to write in his journal at the end of each day. It’s a resolution many people make, but his journal entries were different. They weren’t just a log of what happened that day. Before he wrote, he pondered this question: “Have I seen the hand of God reaching out to touch us or our children or our family today?” As he made it a habit to reflect on that question, he began to see evidence of God’s loving intervention that he hadn’t noticed before. It was as if simply asking the question “allowed God to show [him] what He had done.”¹ Somewhat unexpectedly, the more he recorded God’s goodness, the more he became aware of it.

Whether you’re a journal keeper or not, there’s great value in pausing and asking, “How have I seen God’s hand in my life today?”

God, of course, is all-powerful. If He chose to, He could overwhelm us with impressive displays of power. But more often, He works quietly, subtly, gracefully. Beautiful blessings and minute miracles surround us. They’re simple and sweet—always sweet—but nonetheless powerful. And they’re clear to see if we take the time to look: the kindness of a stranger, the concern and care of a loved one, moments of quiet peace and clarity amid heartache and turmoil, the beauty of this magnificent world.One of the best places to find God’s hand in our lives is in the kind acts of others. As a wise religious leader taught: “God does notice us, and he watches over us. But it is usually through another person that he meets our needs.”²

So when someone reaches out with a hand of kindness, think of it as God’s hand. When someone shares a helpful, hopeful, or compassionate word, think of it as God’s voice. When someone expresses genuine love, think of it as God’s love. And above all, when you feel inspired to reach out to others, embrace the opportunity to be God’s hand in their lives.

The more we look for God’s beautiful blessings and minute miracles, the more we will see them—and the more we’ll want to keep looking for them. Imagine the joy and peace that will come as we resolve to see God’s hand in our lives each day.


References
1. See Henry B. Eyring, “O Remember, Remember,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2007, 67.
2.Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball (2006), 82.