Do you ever feel your life is spinning out of control?

I had a moment like that just recently. I felt as if I was on a runaway horse without reins, clinging desperately to the saddle horn, trying to keep astride as time whizzed by.

I believe this is what happens when a person forgets who is really in charge.

Spooked by a circumstance in which I absolutely had no semblance of control, I cried to my husband. You know what he said that struck me to the core, stopped me in my tracks and made me take stock? It is such a simple phrase loaded with meaning: “God is in control.”

Why didn’t I think of that? I am a preacher’s kid after all! And I testify that the Lord is my Savior and put my trust in Him.

But the truth was I had let my focus waver.

The old adage sums it nicely: “I couldn’t see the forest for the trees.”

I was so wrapped up in the minute details (my narrow sight) that I couldn’t see the bigger picture (God’s view).

My focus should be on what He has done for me and who He is rather than what is happening in and around me. It is about Him, not me.

However, as humans, we can be easily persuaded to shift our view from heaven.

That is why we are told to keep our eyes fixed on Him (Psalm 141:8). David knew that in a time of crisis, his first order of business was to seek the Lord’s throne. In Psalm 142, he outlines his steps: Cry out to the Lord, pour out my troubles to Him, trust Him because He will guard me, and finally confess any needs.

Other Psalms additionally reflect this, as David asked the Lord to guide his footsteps and to not let his foot slip. He repeatedly returned to the Lord for direction.

“Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart,” says Paul in 2 Timothy 2:22.

Again, throughout Psalms, David sought that God would create a pure heart in him, renew a steadfast spirit within and teach him His ways. He started out the book of Psalms with this very vow: “His delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law he meditates day and night.”

I would gather David recalled when the Lord commanded Joshua to meditate on His Law day and night. (Joshua 1:8)

A guest speaker at our church pointed out that the more you follow Him, the more abundant the blessing. He illustrated this as if we are the plants and the Lord is the irrigation. As I thought about it, I could see the parallel — the more we get watered (spend time in the Light of His Word and worship), the more likely we grow and don’t wither (stray from Him and slink into darkness).

Not only had I let myself lose sight of Him, I apparently had also developed selective amnesia that He has my best interest at heart.

Sarah Young best describes God’s instruction for me in “Jesus Calling”: “You will never be in control of your life circumstances, but you can relax and trust in My control. Instead of striving for a predictable, safe lifestyle, seek to know Me in greater depth and breadth. I am always doing something new within My beloved ones. Be on the lookout for all that I have prepared for you.”



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