Rest: Being Okay With Not Being In Control

Being out of control, being at the complete mercy of another person, or being totally helpless in a particular situation, throws many of us into panic mode. The thought of being out of control makes us feel unsafe, insecure, and very uncomfortable. These feelings are felt down deep. And when they are felt, we become fearful, anxious, on guard, and bound to a life of unrest.

Many of us have very good reasons for feeling this way. We have fallen victim to others or have experienced tragic circumstances. We have gone through tragedy, and to go through the pain again would be unbearable. The uncontrollable world produces uncontrollable pain that we often have to just deal with. Time is the ever-slow healer. Sleep seems to be the only medication. 

The external world is overwhelming. The possibilities of what could happen are overbearing. There are many people in this world who haven't rested in a long while. There are many people who are very tired - tired of keeping themselves safe, protected, and guarded. 

The reality of our weakness makes us restless. 

We are very poor refuges for ourselves and must apprehensively guard our post with insufficient artillery. We are just not strong or smart enough. So we resort to gorilla warfare, hiding in the shadows of our protective lies, and, when we must, we ambush with manipulative deception and survival-like force. We do whatever it takes to make the external world safe from maverick circumstances and/or people. 

It's not that we want to harm anyone, we just don't want to be harmed [again]. If we relate, we do so reservedly. If we laugh, we do so cautiously. If we sleep we do so with one eye open. Again, many of us have not rested in some time.

But what if there was one person who was completely safe? What if this man was a perfect father, who treated all like a fragile, needy, and weak son or daughter? What if he was powerful enough to make every molecule, personal or non personal, safe? What if he actually controlled all things?

What if you were at peace with this man, and he was completely at peace with you? What if he loved you and was totally happy with you? What if the words used to describe him were fortress, refuge, Lord, or even warrior? What if you could hide safely in him? What if he was committed (and able) to defeat all of his (and your) enemies?

What if he was completely truthful and never lied? What if you never had to wonder what he was thinking (about you)? What if he said that you need not fear ever again? What if he said he would be with you and would care for you forever? What if he was committed to telling you and showing you the way to go...always?

This man does exist. He is alive. And his name is Jesus Christ. All who are in him by faith, because of his wonderful grace, can rest. We can love without worry. We can hurt with hope. We can repent without rejection. We can exist outside of the darkness of our own dungeon as we relish life in the Son. We can rest in our weakness, knowing and trusting in his strength to protect, guard, secure and love us well. He is the Lord.

May he give you rest today. May he give us all peace as we navigate this troubled world.