In everyday conversations and stories, you might have heard someone refer to a person as their “right-hand man.” This phrase often signifies a trusted and dependable individual who plays a crucial role in supporting and assisting someone in leadership or with important tasks.
But what exactly does this expression mean to a follower of Christ?
Henry Blackaby pointed me to a scripture a few years ago that I honestly never remember reading – but I loved it immediately. “I keep the Lord in mind always. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” Psalm 16:8
In fact, I memorized it right then and there (with memory helpers – I tap my right forefinger on my temple with the first phrase I keep the Lord in mind always. Then I open my right hand palm up and to the right as if showing the world He is right next to me as I say Because He is at my right hand. Finally, as I say I will not be shaken, I shake both hands in front of me at the wrist as if shaking off the imaginary negative thinking or situation.
Okay, as you get older like me, you need these little “memory” helps!!
Now I have revisited the verse with the assistance of Blackaby and appreciate even more his additional description. What does it mean to set the Lord always before me? It means that I choose to relate EVERYTHING I encounter to my trust in God.
And isn’t that what I am struggling with when things are faltering in my life? It helps me realize that what I choose to focus on becomes the dominant influence in my life, as Blackaby reminded me. But Blackaby also helps me go a little deeper on that:
If my focus is always on my problems, then my problems will determine the direction of my life. Oh, how often I must remind myself of this.
And if my focus is on people, then people will determine what I think and do. Having written this out and re-reading it is rather scary – how often am I trapped by this?
But when I choose to focus on Christ, I invite Him to take the most important position in my life as Counselor and Defender. Oh yes, I want THAT!
So what does that look like in daily life? Blackaby nails it – Every time I face a new experience, he says I should turn to Christ for His interpretation and strength.
Okay, there’s the rub – when people disrespect, insult or mistreat me (in my opinion), I should seek direction from my Counselor (Christ) for how I should respond. That should be before I let my emotions and pride jump into action.
Same for when I face a crisis or have a need – I should turn to my right hand and receive strength from Him.
I truly appreciated how Blackaby spoke of when I face a fearful situation – I can take courage from the Advocate at my right-hand position.
Bottom line? “Everything you do is in the context of your relationship to Christ”, says Blackaby.
We have to sit back and just marvel at this incredible act of God’s grace! Can we just picture Christ standing right beside us (on our right) to guide, counsel and defend us?
As Blackaby asks – “How could you ever become dismayed over your situation with Christ at your right hand?” Wow – what confidence this should give us!
May we be filled with the joy of His presence (at our right hand) ready for whatever the world throws at us!
