Article September 28, 2015 Issue

In the Father’s hands

Suzanne Smedley

Who of us doesn’t want to feel the peace and comfort of knowing that we’re in good hands—that our family, our children, in fact everyone in the world, is in the best care possible? Well, divine Science, the Comforter Christ Jesus promised he would send the world—a Comforter that would be with us forever—reveals that we are always and only in the safe and loving hands of our omnipotent Father-Mother, God. In His, Her, care we can surely trust. In His, Her, hands we are safe from all sickness, and all oppression, fear, loneliness, and sin, which are not part of God’s good plan for His children. In the book of Isaiah, God speaks to us directly, saying: “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness” (41:10).

What do we think, then, when we hear of someone falling into what appear to be the wrong hands—into the clutches of an individual or group that is a harmful influence, or harbors hatred or ill will toward others. In the last few months there have been many such reports in the news. For instance, the recently publicized case of a 17-year-old British boy whose family was heartbroken to discover he had left home and country to join up with a well-known terror organization. According to his parents, the organization targeted the teen online and “exploited” his “tender years and naivety,” and had carried out a “process of deliberate and calculated grooming of him” (“Britain’s youngest suicide bomber,” The Guardian, June 15, 2015).

In the Scriptures, we find comforting evidence that good can and does overcome evil.