My husband and I often watch the movie Equalizer. In this action-packed movie, Denzel Washington’s character is a former commando coming out of retirement putting his special skills to work to rescue a girl who’s under the control of ruthless Russian mobsters.

The Equalizer movie features evil and diabolical characters, and life and death situations. Tensions are heightened, there’s always the known yet unspoken anticipation that a fight is about to happen.

As I thought about this movie, one thing stuck out. I don’t remember Denzel Washington’s character having his hands in his pockets. He was always in a position to defend himself. He needed to always be prepared to resist blows.

When we have our hands in our pockets, it usually means we’re relaxed…that our guard is down.

When we have our hands in our pocket, we’re not prepared to resist blows form an enemy.

When we have our hands in our pockets, we can’t attack an enemy. 

As I consider this hands-in-the-pockets posturing, it makes me think of the times in my life where I felt God had His hands in His pocket. With all the evil going on in the world, and life and death situations in personal lives the question arises, “God, why aren’t you doing anything?”

Well, I’m not the only one who felt this way. The psalmist Asaph also expressed his frustration with God for not protecting His people.  “Why do you hold back your hand, your right hand? Take it from the fold of your garment and destroy them!” (Psalm 74:11 ESV). “Arise, O God, defend your cause; remember how the foolish scoff at you all the day!” (Psalm 74:22 ESV).

The psalmist gets a bit gutsy. He’s a bit frustrated throwing his hands in the air and challenging God about not caring about things of earth. In today’s term we would say this psalmist is calling God out. “What aren’t you doing anything about these guys who mocked you and destroyed Your sanctuary!” “They’ve insulted Your name!” “Don’t allow them to get away with this!” “Stop turning a blind eye to the devastation that’s taken place, protect Your people!” “God, get Your hands out of Your pockets!”

Wow!!! The nerve of the psalmist to speak to God in that manner! However, I get why the psalmist was frustrated with the perceived distance of God.

I know I’ve had my moments. Seeing and hearing the atrocities of today. Evil is indeed infuriating.

How many of you feel that same way today?

The frustration and perceived distance of God is due to our limited perspective on the providence of God.

The doctrine of God’s providence teaches that God governs overs all things. The personal triune God has created all things and has a plan for everything that happens. He’s not an indifferent watchmaker who made the world then left it to tick away on its own. He’s not sitting back with His hands in His pockets. He works out all things, not just some things, according to the counsel of His will (Ephesians 1:11 ESV). He is a good and wise King (Psalm 103:19 ESV). But not only is He our King, He is our Father, intimately concerned with the smallest details of life.

The truth of God’s providence tells us while we’re grateful for the clarity of God’s guidance and the comfort of His blessings, we also must be grateful for His sustaining hands of protection during times of discouragement, disappointment, suffering and trials (Psalm 138:7 ESV ).

Denzel Washington’s foes in the movie Equalizer were always caught off guard and unaware of the power and protection of his hands.

Psalm 74 reminds me that when we feel forgotten, rejected, crushed or unprotected… when it seems God has His hands in His pockets and is oblivious to the work of the enemy… like the psalmist, we can pray honestly, knowing He hears, knowing He will respond according to His will and purpose.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, You are omniscience, omnipresent and omnipotent. You know the atrocities of this earth and the burdens of our hearts. Father, I know you have a plan and purpose for all that happens. Crush the chains that bind and decimate darkness with light. Ease the hearts of the fearful and give strength to intercessors. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

PEARLStoPONDER: The moral of the story is…..God’s hands are never in His pocket. We’re often are oblivious the power and protection of His hands.

Psalm 103:19--The Lord has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all.

Proverbs 15:3--The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.

John 16:33-- I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Romans 8:28-- And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

2 Thessalonians 3:3-- But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.