I live in a condominium community so when I need to take out the trash or items to be recycled, I must take it to the dumpster. On one beautiful fall day, I was walking my daughter’s dog Zeke and needed to take an empty kitty litter container to the dumpster. For reasons completely unknown to me, Zeke does not like the dumpster. If the top of the recycle bin is open, I can just toss my items in without any issues. However, if the top is closed, I must open it first. This poses a problem when Zeke fights to stay out of the enclosure that houses the dumpster. I cannot reach the lid without going inside the enclosure. Therefore, I am pulling one way, and Zeke is pulling the other. Apparently, that day I lost. I opened the lid, tossed the container in, turned around and no Zeke. He had come completely out of his harness. I panicked! He was just around the corner, but he refused to come to me. I kept calling him and calling him and he was preoccupied with trying to find the other two dogs that had just been outside. Finally, after I said “treat” a few times he sat down and let me put the harness back on him. The thought of telling my daughter I lost her dog sent me into a panic momentarily. Who am I kidding? I love this dog! He’s my baby, too.
Why is panic our first reaction in so many situations? Is it just me? I don’t think so. Unfortunately, it is a part of human nature to react in fear of loss, uncertainty, bad news, and many other circumstances in life for which we feel unprepared. We do not like to feel like we have no control, no say in the matter, no hand in the outcome. But who does have control of the outcome? God. Our sovereign, immutable, omniscient Heavenly Father who knows the end from the beginning, always does what’s best for us even when it doesn’t seem like it. He is faithful and good in every situation. He alone is worthy of all our trust and allegiance. He is full of kindness, compassion, mercy and justice. Therefore, we can trust Him. When everything else seems out of control, He is still in control. When everything else seems like it’s falling apart, He’s still holding you in the palm of His hand. He is still sustaining the entire universe. Why do we think He won’t take care of us?
Even though we know that God allows human beings free will, He already knows what we are going to do, when we are going to do it. He knew the horrible choices I would make over the course of my life. Yet, He still had His hand on me. He still protected me. He still chose to save me from myself. God loves us enough to give us the freedom to choose Him or choose the world. He allows us to choose life or death. When we choose Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we don’t just choose life, but life more abundantly. When we choose to trust God above all else, we walk in victory and true freedom. There is never a need to panic. Corrie Ten Boom said, “There is no panic in Heaven! God has no problems, only plans.” He is our peace. Fear may try to creep in at times but when we remember who our God is, His limitless power, goodness, and faithfulness, fear must flee. Peace will reign in our lives and spread to those around us. We can bring peace amid overwhelming chaos. People will not understand why we are not panicking, why we are so calm. When they ask, just tell them that it’s Jesus! Tell them that the powerful Spirit of the living God dwells within us. Tell them that when you surrender your life to Jesus, there is nothing to fear. His Spirit guides us, comforts us, and corrects us when we are going off course. He will never steer us wrong! Let’s show the world how amazing our God is by reflecting His goodness, exuding His peace, and spreading His joy. We have the answer, so let’s give them Jesus!
(Isaiah 26:3-4, NLT) You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock.
