Who's in charge?

Life is fragile. There is not a day that goes by where I am not reminded of this important reality: No one is going to live forever. Each day is a gift. Nothing should be taken for granted, but should be cherished and enjoyed. Kids are a gift. Family is a gift. Jobs are a gift. Health is a gift. Through the ups and downs of life, God is STILL in charge. Through chaos and confusion, God is STILL in charge. Through questions and surprises, God is STILL in charge. I think I know this, but the reminder is helpful for many different reasons

I lean towards thinking that I am in charge of my life. I get busy. Life gets full. I began to fall into a vicious trap of self-centeredness. I believe that this is all my doing and my effort and these are my accomplishments. This is my car. My house. My kids. My job. It all belongs to me and therefore puts me into this place of authority over all that I own and have. There's also the sense as an American that I can pursue anything in life and accomplish it. If I want it, I just need to go and get it. If I can muster up enough strength, will power, and mental energy, then I can have it. It’s just a matter of a stronger pursuit and then I will have it. The problem with this thinking is that I do not honestly know what "it" is that I am pursuing. It is humorous. I can spend my entire life trying to pursue "it," yet I cannot describe what I am chasing after and if I ever will have "it." This is why I need to know who's in charge of my life. When I know God is in charge, it frees me from chasing empty roads and unmarked trails. It frees me from seeking my worth or value in any person or thing. Knowing that God is in charge frees me to be settled in who I am and how He made me.

Life is fragile. Things happen that we do not see coming. There are great surprises and huge defeats. This is also why I need to know who's in charge. I cannot predict the future, but I do know a few things about it. In the future, God is STILL in charge. In the future, there will be seasons of highs and lows. In the future, God will be glorified and honored. In the future, His kingdom on earth will reign. This is why I need to know that God is STILL in charge. It sets me free worrying about what lies ahead. It sets my heart on the here and now. This moment. This day. This hour. When I know God is STILL in charge, I am free to live in His daily mercy and provision.

Life is fragile. Therefore, I need to enjoy the “wow” that is happening now. All I have is the present. The past is gone and the future is unknown, but today is here and I need to live neither with worry, nor regret. Not in misfortune or fear. Not in pity or despair, but in joy. I need to trust God, live in His grace and show love towards all people.

Live it up. Live right now. Live with beauty, wonder, and radical joy RIGHT NOW. Today is all we have.

Remember, God is STILL in charge.