My dear friend, it's a joy for me to greet you. Today, we are meditating on Job 17:9, “He who has clean hands grows stronger and stronger.” We see a man in the Bible who truly lived this out - David. In II Samuel 3:1, it says David grew stronger and stronger. But how was he able to grow that way? In I Samuel 24, David had a chance to kill Saul. He was so close and could have quickly become king. But David spared Saul’s life because Saul was the Lord’s anointed. Though he cut off a piece of Saul’s robe, he refused to shed his blood. David didn’t want the blood of God’s anointed on his hands. He kept his hands clean, and that’s why, in the very next book, we read that David grew stronger and stronger.

Why is it important to keep our hands clean and our hearts pure? Psalm 24:3-4 answers this question: “Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who shall stand in His holy place? He that has clean hands and a pure heart.” To stand before God, we must live a life of integrity, not just physically clean, but honest in everything we do. That means keeping away from lying and cheating, doing our work honestly, putting in real effort, and being sincere. These things keep our hands clean and our hearts pure. I remember my grandfather’s final words before he passed: “My hands are clean. My heart is clean. My words are clean. Now I can stand before any man in the world, and I can stand before God.” After saying those words, he passed on to meet his Master in heaven. His legacy still continues to this day.

In the same way, as you live with integrity, in your job, your studies, your relationships, God will honour you. Even when it feels like everyone around you is cutting corners, and you are tempted to do the same, stay faithful. Keep your hands clean. Don’t cheat your way to the top. God sees your integrity, and He will honour you before everyone. He lifted up David to be king. He honoured Joseph by making him ruler under Pharaoh. He raised up Daniel as one of the highest leaders in the nation. He blessed Esther for her courage and purity of heart. In the same way, God will honour you. As you keep your hands clean, you will grow stronger and stronger, and higher and higher. Give all your situations unto the Lord. He will take care of you.

PRAYER: 
Dear Lord, thank You for calling me to live with clean hands and a pure heart. Please help me to walk in integrity even when no one is watching. Teach me to choose honesty over shortcuts and faithfulness over compromise. Let my actions reflect Your holiness, and in doing so, let me grow stronger and stronger in Your presence. Lord, strengthen me when I am tempted, and honour me as I choose to remain faithful to You. I place all my situations in Your hands, trusting that You will lift me up in due time. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.