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 me to release my white-knuckled grip on all kinds of things I’d like to control, but can’t. So, on this first Sunday in September, I raise my tired empty hands to you, in praise and surrender.
I don’t have control over the number of days I have left before you call me home; but fill the ones you’ve marked for me with as much of your grace, love, and wisdom as possible. I don’t have control over the “messy” feelings and disappointments others carry in their hearts; but free me to stay present with kindness, and not withdraw into a “safer,” more predictable cave.
I don’t have control over important decisions family and friends have to make; but constantly remind me you’re the Author of our stories, not merely the garbage man who cleans up our messes. I don’t have control over how much pain and suffering my loved ones will experience in life; but forgive me for ever thinking you’ll give them more heartache than grace.
I don’t have control over people and circumstances that impact my next season of life; but you do, and you don’t need me as your consulting partner. I don’t have control over the next hurricane or North Korea’s nukes, or the American political process, or … and the list goes on.
Just give me laser sharp vision of your Fatherly sovereign-self—joyfully, peacefully, powerfully perched on your throne in heaven. That’s all I need. You are God, and I am so very not; and you are good, all the time; all the time, you are a good, good Father. So very Amen I pray, in Jesus’ glorious and grace-full name.
