Does it feel sometimes like the world is spinning out of control?

Disease runs rampant. The economy is struggling. Our fears and anxieties mount. Political tensions rise. Our national and religious freedoms decline. Yet, our God has it all under control. He has the world—and all who are in it—in the palm of His hand.

Colossians 1:17 assures us, “He is before all things and in Him all things hold together.”

What a comfort that is to me daily. In HIM, all things hold together.

In Him, my marriage holds together.

In Him, my relationships hold together.

In Him, my emotions hold together.

In Him, my finances hold together.

In Him, my faith holds together.

In Him, my cells hold together.

In Him, this world holds together.

In Him, ALL THINGS hold together—even those things you and I are desperately trying to hold onto.

Additionally, Psalm 139, a piece of worship music within the Word of God, tells us how intimately acquainted God is with all of our ways. I can’t help but think God included this song of David’s in His inspired Word to help us connect with His heart, especially at times when we feel insignificant or helpless in light of all that is going on in the world. Not only does this song tell us God has searched us and known us and that He knows our every thought and every detail of our wandering, but it also says He protects us and loves us more than we know. Even when it feels like the world is spinning out of control.

“You hem me in behind and before, and lay your hand upon me,” David sang in verse 5.

There is such peace is in knowing God is here with us in the dark, in the light, waking up, falling asleep, going out, and coming in. In times of peace and in times of chaos, confusion, or unanswered questions. If you’re one to get a little more anxious or stressed when watching or listening to the news, or scrolling through the happenings in this country or around the world, keep your eyes on God’s Word, which constantly reassures us Who is ultimately in control.

Psalm 139 reminds us that we never need to worry about anything concerning our life or the lives of those we love, because of God’s ever-present watchfulness. From this song alone, we are assured that God is One who:

• searches us and knows us from the inside out (verse 1)
• knows our every action and thought (verses 2-3)
• knows what we will say before we say it (verse 4)
• “encircles” us and places His hand of protection upon us (verse 5)
• follows us everywhere we go—or stays with us when we can’t go anywhere (verses 8-12)
• formed us and watched over us while we were in the womb (verses 13-15)
• wrote out our life story in His book before we even lived it—meaning even this time of your questioning doesn’t take Him by surprise (verse 16)
• thinks innumerable (and precious) thoughts of us (verses 17-18)
• knows our concerns and anxieties—especially during uncertain days like these (verse 23)
• convicts us of our offenses and leads us in the right direction (verse 24)

This psalm reassures me that God is intimately acquainted with me and my loved ones. And He is aware of what is going on in the hearts and lives of those we can’t be with on a daily basis. It assures me there is nothing I can do, and no place I can go where His love doesn’t follow. That means there is never a reason to worry or feel alone. I am safe—and you are safe—in the palm of His hand.

God knows every detail of the paths we walk, the decisions we make, the words we say, and the actions we take. He knows every detail about us, and the world we live in. And He will never let us out of His sight, or out of His heart. He tracks us better than our phones, His knowledge surpasses Siri and Google, and He always has our best in mind. You may be one who never goes anywhere without your phone. But you are certainly one who never goes anywhere without His watchful, loving eye and His tender compassionate hand.

Lord, thank You that You know the condition of this world and the condition of my heart. Thank You that Your love follows me everywhere I go and I am safe and secure in the palm of Your protective, loving hand.

Each time you hear discouraging or disturbing news about this world—or your personal world—whisper the words: “This did not take God by surprise.” It will remind you that He is still on the throne.

Read more like this in The New Loneliness Devotional: 50 Days to a Closer Connection with God.