The life of every living thing is in his hand, and the breath of every human being. Job 12:10 (NLT)
Heavenly Father, we are so thankful you, quite literally, have the whole world in your hands. This frees us to acknowledge the obvious. We don’t. We don’t have control over a lot of things we’d love to predict, manage, or fix. But as we come to you this Tuesday in June, we do so, not to grab what isn’t ours, but to raise our hands in praise and surrender to you.
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, love, and wisdom as possible. We don’t have control over the messy feelings and pain others carry in their hearts; but free us to stay present with kindness, understanding, and hope.
We don’t have control over what people think and say about us; but may what YOU think and say about us be our most defining and liberating reality. You call us your beloved, desired, delighted in daughters and sons. Forgive us for under-believing you and over-believing what mere people say.
We don’t have control over important decisions to be made—by us and those we love; but constantly remind us you’re the Author of our stories, not merely the passive garbage man who has to clean up our messes. We don’t have control over how many disappointments we’ll experience in life; but forgive us for thinking you don’t care or will give us more heartache than grace.
Father, we don’t have control over people and circumstances that impact our jobs, finances, and future; but you do, and you don’t need us as your consulting partners. Just give us laser sharp vision of Jesus’ empty tomb, and your Fatherly-self, joyfully perched on the throne of heaven, ruling with wisdom and grace. That’s all we need. So very Amen we pray, in Jesus’ glorious and grace-full name.
