Don't Worry- God is in Control!

As Christians, not only should we refrain from dwelling on negative things from the past, but we should also refrain from dwelling on distressing situations at present. If we find ourselves fretting (or in despair) about something over which we have no control, we need to repent. Numerous scripture verses tell us not to be anxious. Luke 12:25-26 asks the following question,“And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest?”

We should also resist firmly the temptation to worry over what might happen in the future, “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble”(Matthew 6:34). Rather than worrying over the present or future circumstances of our lives, we should be following God’s revealed will for us on a daily basis, “See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” God’s revealed will for us, as Christians, is to be joyful, prayerful and thankful- in all things.

We can be truly thankful that God is in control over all things, even when things do not go according to our plans, “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.” (Proverbs 19:21). Isaiah 55:8-9 reads, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” We can be assured that if things don’t go according to our plan, then God has a much better one in mind.

If God is completely sovereign (which He is) and if all of his purposes will stand (which they will), then if His children rebel against Him (which we all do at times), He will bring them to obedience-- in His providence and through His discipline. However, just as the prophet Jonah, we will suffer the consequences of our rebellion. Only in obedience can we expect the spiritual blessings of God. Isaiah 46:8-11 reads, “Remember this and stand firm, recall it to mind, you transgressors, remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,’ calling a bird of prey from the east, the man of my counsel from a far country. I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass; I have purposed, and I will do it” (Isaiah 46:8-11).

In His faithfulness, God will do all He has determined to do, “Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations, and repays to their face those who hate him, by destroying them” (Deuteronomy 7:9-10). If we have been recipients of God’s love, we also must be faithful-- to seek God with all our heart, “Only fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you” (1 Samuel 12:24).

Our Lord has preserved for us his precious word whereby we may know Him. Through it we may experience peace and assurance which passes all understanding- regardless of our circumstances. In Philippians 4:6-7 we are told, “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” We need to be obedient to scripture and prepared to accept the Lord’s answer to our request, even if it isn’t what we had hoped for. When Paul prayed for his affliction to be removed, the Lord’s response was,“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Trusting in our sovereign Lord...who works through all things for our good… may we truly strive to not fret and worry over things which are beyond our control. May the following verse be true of us, “For the righteous will never be moved; he will be remembered forever. He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD” (Psalm 112:6-7).