The life of every living thing is in his hand, and the breath of every human being. Job 12:10 (NLT)
Heavenly Father, though I sang it long before I believed it, you DO have the whole world in your hands. This frees us to release our white-knuckled grip on all kinds of things we’d love to control, but can’t. So, on this first Sunday in September, we raise our hands to you, in praise and surrender.
We don’t have control over the number of days we have left before you call us home. But fill the ones you’ve marked for us with as much of your grace and love, and joy and wisdom as possible.
We don’t have control over the “messy” feelings and disappointments others carry in their hearts. But free us to stay present with kindness, resisting the temptation to fix them, or withdraw into a haven of selfishness.
We don’t have control over important decisions our family and friends are making. But constantly remind us you’re the Author of our stories, not merely the garbage man who cleans up our messes.
We don’t have control over how much suffering our loved ones will experience in life. But forgive us for thinking you’ll give them more heartache than grace, or more pain than your love.
We don’t have control over circumstances and the people who have power to impact our next season of life. But you do, and you don’t need us as your consulting partner, coach, or motivator.
We don’t have control over the next hurricane season, the world’s storehouse of “nukes,” the American political climate, or … and the list goes on. But you do.
Father, just give us laser sharp vision of your sovereign-self—joyfully, peacefully, powerfully perched on your throne in heaven. You are God and we are so very not. You are good, all the time. All the time, you are a good, good Father. So very Amen we pray, in Jesus’ glorious and grace-full name.
