Life's Lessons (Part 2): At The Center Of It All
Photo Courtesy of Aaron Burden Photography
What’s the verdict?
When you used to ask people “how things were”, they’d tell you everything was good. Nowadays, the verdict seems to have changed entirely.
But you know what, history shows us that we’re certainly not the first people to deal with problems that appear over our heads. And in fact, it’s the “out of reach” issues that tend to lead us to the the solution we need most.
In Numbers 11 (MSG), we find the nation of Israel on their to way to the Promised Land after being enslaved (for hundreds of years) by the Egyptians. After a couple years of wandering through the desert, we see that “the people fell to grumbling over their hard life” (Numbers 11:1-3).
No longer content with their freedom, they begin to reminisce about “all the great food” they enjoyed back when they were slaves. Moses, whom God had assigned to lead the people, becomes completely overwhelmed. There’s such complaining & inner turmoil taking place, Moses begs God to “do him a favor & kill him”.
But God reassures Moses that He [God] is going to meet the needs of the people. In fact, their appetites will be met with so much meat that they’ll literally be sick. But in a barren desert, Moses expresses major skepticism about that possibility. Which prompts God to rhetorically ask:
“Is the Lord’s arm too short?” Numbers 11:23 (NIV)
With one question, God provided the ultimate answer to Moses. That one question caused Moses to take his eyes off his issues & look to his solution. To remember that there’s nothing out of His reach. There’s nothing God can’t do. And that same exact help is—
his offer To you.
3 truths worth embracing
Over time, problems that are left unattended, end up immobilizing us. On some level, they just simply have to be dealt with. There’s a quote from James Clear (author of Atomic Habits) that really captures the practical nature of addressing a given issue. Which says:
“Working on a problem reduces the fear of it.
It’s hard to fear a problem when you’re making progress on it—even if progress is imperfect and slow.
Action relieves anxiety.”
When it comes to your problems, you’re either going to resolve them, or allow them to dissolve your peace. Take a step of action. Turn away from the issue & back toward the truth of God.
Truth #1) I don’t Need to know it all
There are things that happen in our life & in our world that are simply above our pay-grade. Sometimes the areas that give us the most stress, are the areas we think too much about & don’t do enough about. Contrary to what your mind tries to tell you—
you’ll never worry yourself into a desired direction.
Isaiah 58:8-9 (NLT) says, “My [God] thoughts are nothing like your thoughts…and my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.”
In other words, you may not know it all, but you don’t need to. God knows it all. They say the “devil’s in the details”. But in reality, that’s where God is. In every minute detail of our lives. Sometimes the biggest step you can take is to—
let go of what you don’t know.
Truth #2) I don’t have to do this alone
Have an issue that plagues your mind? You can’t get rid of it on your own.
A major battle you’re up against? You can’t win on your own.
We weren’t made to solve our most serious problems on our own. It’s not possible. But Jesus tells us—
“What is impossible for people is possible with God.” Luke 18:27 (NLT)
How can we expect the best outcome if we refuse to utilize the best means? God made it clear long ago that it’s not good for man to be alone. Through His people & through His strength, He equips you for the work that needs to be done. All things are possible—
through Him who gives you strength.
Truth #3) i don’t need control
If you get into the habit of rolling through a stop sign, eventually it’s going to cost you. It’s there for a reason. It’s there as a means of protection. A long time ago, my wife left a simple note on my desk for me to read. And in many ways, it’s continued to be my own personal “stop sign” in life. The sticky-note says:
“It’s handled.”
-God
For most people I know (including myself), their problem isn’t believing in God, it’s letting God be God in their lives. Surrendering control. Letting go of what they hold onto so tightly. The truth is, you’re not in control. And that’s a good thing. Why? Because He is. You can let life take its’ toll or find rest in knowing—
He’s in control.
At The center of it all
“God holds the high center; He sees and sets the world’s mess right.”
God’s not surprised by the mess of this world, and He’s certainly not surprised by any mess in yours. God knows where you’re at because He’s right there with you. Right in the thick of it.
There’s peace in knowing that Jesus isn’t just the savior of the world, He’s the savior of yours. There’s strength in knowing that He’s with you in the middle of your mess. And there’s unfailing hope when you truly know—
he’s at the center of it all.
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today’s Takeaways
You’ll never worry yourself in the right direction.
What’s impossible for you is possible in him.
God is in control.