The Facade of Control

Three weeks ago when I wanted to schedule another chiropractic appointment, I was told they couldn’t schedule at that time because the computer system was down. Eventually, when more than a week had passed and the computer system was still down, they began scheduling the old fashioned way.

This Sunday when folks arrived at our church they were told the electricity was off across most of the town and would likely not be up again until late morning. It took some thought of how to proceed with church without the convenience and familiarity of electricity. The children in the pre-kindergarten class were elated when told their class would be held outside since their classroom had no windows. Microphones, of course, didn’t work so we “cozied” together in the front of the sanctuary – without our filled coffee cups, I might add. The band instrumentation was reduced to an acoustic guitar and we sang the good old songs we knew from heart. I found it to be reflective of how it might have been for my grandparents and great-grandparents to have worshiped.

Both of these situations can remind us that we are not in control. Even though some would like to be, none of us really are. Did we have anything to say about when we arrived in this world? Will we have anything to say about the day we will depart?

And think about the seasons – do we order the first snow or the first bud to appear on the apple tree in the backyard? Which leaf will be the first to turn red on the maple tree and what day will the tomatoes be ready to harvest? We are humbled when we realize we have no control over any of these things.

Our peace and security however, does not come from being in control. That’s only a facade at best. The person that barks loudest may like you to believe they are in control, but in reality, they are no more so than the meek one. The One that sculpted the universe, orders the seasons, and loves you and me as if we were the only one to love is in control. Peace does not come from us thinking we are in control – true peace comes only by having Jesus in our hearts and knowing the One that is sovereign over all things. Tonight we can sleep restfully knowing He lovingly carries us through every season we enter.

I’ve been carrying you on my back from the day you were born, And I’ll keep on carrying you when you’re old. I’ll be there, bearing you when you’re old and gray. I’ve done it and will keep on doing it, carrying you on my back, saving you. Isaiah 46:4 (MSG).

Until next time, keep on readin’ and I’ll keep on writin’.