“Into your hand I commit my spirit.” I have always read these words in a negative light. These are the last words of Jesus on the cross. On His dying breath, he spoke these words as He died. But these are truly beautiful words of absolute trust And this is the way every Christian should live – committing our spirit into God’s hands and let Him determine our fate.

David said these same words in a slightly different circumstance. In Ps 31:5, “Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God.” But the motive is the same. Rather than himself being in control of his own circumstances, which is an illusion anyway, he is committing his way, his wellbeing, his future, and his life to God. And again, this should be the normal attitude of the Christian at all times. But since it may be impossible to live with this consciously on our minds all the time, it would be good to pray this at punctuated times.

– As you go to sleep, pray, “into your hand I commit my spirit.” You might die during the night.

– As you drive out to work, pray, “into your hand I commit my spirit.” You may never make it home.

– As you are about to face a difficult person, pray, “into your hand I commit my spirit.” This acknowledges God is in charge and not you, and you can live with the consequences.

– As you get home to face your young children, pray, “Into your hand I commit my spirit.” You will need supernatural energy to give them.

Yes, God is in charge anyway whether we pray this or not. But this acknowledges and glorifies God when we display our dependence on Him this way.

PH