September 2020 – Who’s In Control?

Who’s In Control?

 Now it’s September 2020. During the past six months, I have heard and read the repetitive refrain from friends, family, news broadcasts, and various personal and professional  podcasts, “things are just out of control!”  And yes, I have felt that way too! But I choose not to let it become a frightening refrain, because things will never be out of control as long as God is in control.  And that is NOW! God has always been in control, He is in control NOW, and He will be in control forever!

But we are human.  And humans forget; even other God-followers like me, because we don’t understand the mind of God. Our futile, mortal minds are too small and inadequate to comprehend the mind of our omniscient God!

Everyday life has become chaotic with challenges to our sense of security.  The corona virus has created a worldwide crisis that has affected nearly every area of lives. Our national unemployment rate climbed from 3.6% in January to higher than 13% in May, and to a little more than 10% in July.  Figures have not yet been released for August [1].

Many small businesses across the nation have died and still more are fighting to stay alive. Then there’s the confusion that families feel regarding all the changes affecting our school systems. To return to classes or not to return to classes, that is the question!

When our world appears uncertain, may we hold tight to those things we know are certain and unshakable.

For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. (1 Corinthians 2:11).

I have been considering Job a lot lately.  He didn’t understand why such horrible things were happening to him. He lost his children, his livestock, his servants, his health, and even his wife told him to curse God and die. Job’s friends tried to comfort him, but instead accused him of doing something to deserve everything that had happened to him. But Job knew he had been faithful to God, as he sat in the ashes scraping his aching, boil-covered skin with broken shards of pottery. (Job 2:7-10).

That’s when God stepped in to explain, in current vernacular, I’VE GOT THIS! And he began to return to Job everything that had been taken from him, and more! And in the process, He left us an example in Job to be faithful through adversity.

As for us? No matter how frightening our circumstances might feel, God remains in control. He truly does have a good, hope-filled plan, and the power to bring it to pass.

“I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:12).

Listen to the word of God – Psalm 50:9-12 – God Speaking

9I have no need of a bull from your stall
or of goats from your pens,
10 for every animal of the forest is mine,
and the cattle on a thousand hills.
11 I know every bird in the mountains,
and the insects in the fields are mine.
12 If I were hungry I would not tell you,
for the world is mine, and all that is in it.

Ten Bible Verses to Help Us Remember That God is in Control [2]

  1. Isaiah 35:4 – say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.”
  2. Joshua 1:9 – Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
  3. Psalm 23:4 – Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
  4. Psalm 34:4 – I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.
  5. Psalm 27:1 – The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?
  6. Psalm 118:6 – The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?
  7. Matthew 6:34 – Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
  8. John 14:27 – Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
  9. Romans 8:38-39 – For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
  10. 1 Peter 5:6-7 – Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

God bless the leaders of our nation, and God bless the United States of America and the World!

[1] Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

[2] Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.