Lamentations 2:3 God's Right Hand

He withdrew His right hand and stood back and allowed Israel's enemies to wreak havoc on the land.

Observation
The warnings have passed and the time has come to discipline Judah for her sinful acts. One particular consequence stands out in Lamentations 2 to me, God removes His right hand from Israel. What does that mean? Throughout the Old Testament, beginning in Exodus when God calls the Israelites out of Egypt and slavery (exodus 15:6) God's right hand is a source of power, refuge, and strength. It is God's right hand that shatters the enemy and brings low the wicked. To remove His right hand from their presence would be to remove all protection from Judah.
In researching the right hand of God, I also found several references to the believers right hand as well. David mentions in the psalms that God holds our right hand and stands on our right side.
For He stands at the right hand of the needy, To save him from those who judge his soul. (Psalms 109:31 NASB)
I have set the Lord continually before me; Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. (Psalms 16:8 NASB)
Nevertheless I am continually with You; You have taken hold of my right hand. (Psalms 73:23 NASB)

However, I also found references to holding wickedness and sinful behavior with our right hand.
Whose mouths speak deceit, And whose right hand is a right hand of falsehood. (Psalms 144:8 NASB)
In whose hands is a wicked scheme, And whose right hand is full of bribes. (Psalms 26:10 NASB)

We choose what we hold on to. The Judean's chose sin, who or what will you choose?

Application
I feel like someone or something is always vying to hold my proverbial right hand. I would bet most Christians have the same experience. I wake up in the morning holding God's hand, but somewhere throughout the day I wind up holding someone or something else. Most often, it is the hand of pleasing others, but sometimes it is the hand of pride, or selfishness. Yet I know His grace is sufficient when look back I can see that I'm holding His hand longer then ever before and I notice quicker when I've let go of Him; I may not be there yet, but I'm not where I amused to be. All glory to God who is molding me in His image.
I am also extremely grateful that it is His right hand that stands before me. Even when the day is long and hard, I can be thankful in the confidence that God is always with me.

Prayer
Father, I praise You for Your righteous right hand. The One that has held me even when I let go, the One that is my strength and portion, that One that lifts me up out of the miry clay and has set my feet upon the Christ Rock. May we walk together, both now and forevermore.