When we think we can handle everything ourselves, “Instead, let us TEST and EXAMINE our ways. Let us TURN BACK to the LORD.” (Lam. 3:40) Thinking we can handle it not only adds to our stress but it creates pride! That pride prevents us from going to God. “God opposes (antitassomai: to go to battle against) the proud but gives GRACE to the humble.” (Jam. 4:6)
We think we have it all together and admitting we don’t makes us feel weak. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and HE WILL SHOW (He’ll reveal it to us) YOU WHICH PATH TO TAKE.” (Pro. 3:5-6) We must learn to allow God to cradle us in His loving arms “He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will GATHER THE LAMBS WITH HIS ARM, And CARRY THEM (that’s us) in His bosom, And gently lead those who are with young.” (Isa. 40:11) and don’t worry so much about being the master of our own destiny! The world tells us we have to have it all together but God tells us TO BE IN PEACE “IN PEACE I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O LORD, will KEEP ME SAFE.” (Psa. 4:8)
In the knowledge that HE is in control! “The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want (châsêr: be lacking, be without).” (Psa. 23:1) THAT should be at the heart of our prayer IN THE MIDST OF CHAOS IN LIFE…HE IS IN CONTROL and we are not! “DON’T let your hearts BE TROUBLED. TRUST IN GOD, and TRUST ALSO IN ME. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I AM GOING to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I WILL COME AND GET YOU, so that you will ALWAYS be with me where I am. And you know the way to where I am going.” (John 14:1-4)
-Bill Stockham