Rest From Control
Trying to control the world around me is an exhausting and most unproductive feat. Of the many ways Jesus invites us to rest, the most difficult for me is to rest from the compulsion to control.
What if I fall? I might break a leg. What if I lose my job? How long would it take to find another? What if I’m attacked by a bear? Maybe we shouldn’t go hiking. What if the car slides off the road? I might die. Yes, I believe I will live forever in heaven, a life that is beyond my comprehension amazing. But, what about my husband or children I leave behind; who will tell them they are loved more than they can ask or imagine?
The list of possible calamities is endless; thus, I tend to find myself striving to control it all. Ask my husband or anyone who knows me well, and they will tell you I don’t like to sit in the passenger’s seat. It is hard to give up the control. But how much more control do I really have, when I’m the driver?
Every time I think I’ve given up trying to control my circumstances, I’m faced with a new challenge and must make the choice to take my weakness back to God, and rest in Him anew. In each moment, He invites:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
But life can be brutal. Check out your own church’s prayer list. How many are in the hospital from an injury, pneumonia or cancer? How many times have you seen a faithful follower lose someone dear to their heart? Obviously, faith does not guarantee a life free of pain and loss.
To rest in Jesus, doesn’t mean nothing bad will ever happen to me. Rest means to trust He will never leave me through those hard circumstances; that He is working all things for my good, in every situation.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
“But Father, what if I fall and break my leg?”
“I am the LORD who heals you." Exodus 15:26
“What if I lose my job?”
“I will supply your every need.” Philippians 4:19
“What if I fail?”
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9
“What if I’m rejected?”
“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5
“What if I lose someone I love?”
“I will weep with you.” John 11:35
“What if…?”
“I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?” Jeremiah 32:27
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
Each day, I have a choice. I can strive to control the world around me, or I can surrender all control to my Father, who has repeatedly proven Himself faithful. He is good!
“Ah, Sovereign Lord, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for You.” Jeremiah 32:17
REST.