When times are uncertain, it’s not uncommon to hear a fellow believer remind you that God is in control. I’ve heard this so many times in my life that it borders on being trite and just something you say to comfort someone. We mustn’t let our brains cast this truth aside in such a trivial way. The fact God is in control is one of the most important things to remember in life.
Most of the world is in chaos, and almost all our lives are chaotic as well. Some days, all the uncertainty makes it difficult to even get out of bed, much less accomplish something for the Kingdom of God. It is in times like these we must remember there is nothing happening in our world that surprises or perplexes God. He is not panicking or wondering what to do (Isaiah 46:9-10).
Part of the problem we face is we live with the delusion that we have some control over our lives and the things in our purview. We are not in control, and we never have been. The only thing we can control is whether we will choose God at this moment in our lives. Everything else is out of our control. We have influence in some areas of our lives, but not actual control. People who are determined to live a long life can be religious about their exercise regimen, meticulous in following their diet plans, always get eight hours of sleep at night, and still wind up with cancer in their 40s. No matter how many right choices we bring to bear in our lives, the results are always out of our control (Proverbs 19:21).
There is nothing so frightening as realizing you have no control over what transpires in life. But praise the Lord, there is nothing so comforting as resting in the realization that God is in control of everything. He has mapped out your steps from beginning to end (Psalm 139:13-16; Psalm 139:2-4; Job 14:5-6). Nothing escapes His notice (Hebrews 4:13; Matthew 10:29-31), and there is no obstacle too big for Him to handle (Jeremiah 32:17; Luke 1:37).
No amount of worrying will ever change anything in your life (Matthew 6:27). Our job is to be still and watch God work (Psalm 46:10). He will never fail or let you down (Deuteronomy 31:8; Isaiah 41:10). Your spouse, your family, your boss, and your government will fail and let you down. Jesus never fails, and He never leaves your side (Matthew 28:19-20; Hebrews 13:5). Why worry about tomorrow? Today has enough problems of its own (Matthew 6:34). Trust in the Lord and never doubt that God is in control (Proverbs 3:5-6).
This life is not your own (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), so why worry about what will happen in it? You belong to the Lord, purchased for an incomprehensible price (1 Peter 1:18-19). God loves you and promises to give you rest when you seek Him (Matthew 11:28-29). And this is the key. When the circumstances of life become too much to bear, run into the arms of Jesus. If you seek Him, He will be there for you (Jeremiah 29:13). Immerse yourself in His Word and focus on those things that are true, honorable, pure, and full of moral excellence (Philippians 4:8). Don’t fear the things of this world (1 Peter 3:14; John 14:27), but choose instead to relax in the joy and salvation of Jesus Christ (Psalm 16:11; 1 Peter 1:8-9). Keep your eyes on Him and never forget that God is in control.