Last week I relived the messages from Notes of Septembers past. We will remember!...God hears our cries for help...there is Hope that prevails the darkest times. I remembered who I am, the mark of faith I bear, and that God is with us. And I renewed my commitment that despite the horrors and tragedies that come, I will stand in love even in the midst of fear...for God reigns!
9/11 can evoke strong emotions of anger and sorrow. Yet, it brings to a larger scale what happens to someone somewhere every day. When we stand at a distance, we may feel empathy and compassion. But when it happens to us, everything changes. Instantly it's all too real, and we pray it's a bad dream. Why do we react this way? Have we learned anything about ourselves from 9/11 and the many, many tragedies since? I believe I have. For me...maybe you, too...it's summed up this way: I want to be in control.
Growing up I knew how horrible it felt not to be in control. Severe intestinal problems. Legs filled with pain. Our house on fire. Moving from city to city. Losing friends. And on a larger stage...assassinations, riots, hatred and war. These created an intense desire to be in control of my life. And in my quest, I was often disappointed and angry.
One day, God whispered, I am in control. Follow me. Maybe I was at the end of my rope or too tired from doing everything on my own. I decided to give it a shot. After all, what could I lose? I didn't realize it would be what I had been clinging to with all my mind, soul and strength. I would lose control.
Following God means giving up THE control of our lives. There are still responsibilities and decisions, but in all things we look to Him for answers and direction. We are not on our own. He is with us, always! We will have times of anger and sorrow - times when we are shocked beyond words - but even then we carry within us a peace that is beyond all understanding...because we know God is in control.
Once when David was in danger from his enemies, he wrote something very special, Psalm 16*.
Keep me safe, O God, for I have come to you for refuge. I said to the LORD, "You are my Master! All good things I have are from you." The godly people in the land are my true heroes! I take pleasure in them! Those who chase after other gods will be filled with sorrow. I will not take part in their sacrifices or even speak the names of their gods.
LORD, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing. You guard all that is mine. The land you have given me is a pleasant land. What a wonderful inheritance! I will bless the LORD who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me. I know the LORD is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.
No wonder my heart is filled with joy, and my mouth shouts his praises! My body rests in safety. For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your godly one to rot in the grave. You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever. (NLT)
An earthly king gave control of his life to a Heavenly King. David praised God and was at peace, certain that God's control was for his ultimate good. And what was important to him? That all the bad in his life be removed? No. It was God showing him the way of life, being with him, and living with him forever.
In the midst of danger, sorrow and tragedy, we must remember: God is in control of our lives. He is our refuge, our joy, and our greatest blessing, for now and always. No one can take that from us!
