God is in Control

Posted on Feb 7, 2018 in Midweek Meditation, MM18 |

 
Read: Job 38 & 39
 
       In several recent publications I was struck by the way my birth year of 1968 was referred to.  50 years later one of them called it one of the most tumultuous years in America and the other referred to it as a very troubled time.  I had to wonder what my parents thought as they brought a new child into a world like this.  We often hear that reference made about children born today.

That year did have its share of trouble and turmoil.  Racial unrest, protests about the Vietnam War, a contentious Presidential election, violence at the Democratic convention in Chicago, and the assassinations of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy which led to protests in over 100 U.S. cities were just some of the turmoil those publications spoke about. But what about the years of The Great Depression, the World Wars and Nazi concentration camps in Europe?  Tumultuous almost doesn’t seem like a strong enough word to describe those years.

Unfortunately, there always seems to be plenty of trouble and turmoil as time goes on.  While we should be aware and concerned of these things we should never lose sight of God’s sovereignty over us all.  Yes, God is in control and will remain in control despite the sin and wayward ways of humans and the leaders of the nations.

In the 38th and 39th chapters of Job the Lord asks Job who is in control.  The answer is obvious as the verses proceed to share that the Lord laid the earth’s foundations, marked off its dimensions, and controls the time, space, and endowment of creation.  Yes, God is in control even when humans try to act like they are.  Human sin, greed, hatred, and desire for control is what leads to all of the turmoil and trouble listed above.

Each year, decade, and century seem to bring new challenges for our world.  While we need to work for justice, share love, and spread the hope of Jesus Christ, we must always remember that God is sovereign, and that God is in control.  As Moses said in Deuteronomy 4:39, “Acknowledge and take heart this day that the Lord is God in heaven above and on earth below. There is no other.”

Make it Personal:  It’s easy to watch the news or read the newspaper and become distressed over many things going on in our world.  At times, 2018 may feel like 1968.  But instead of responding with despair, Christians must declare the hope of Christ and the sovereignty of God in this world.  The Creator is still in charge of the created.  God is in control despite human efforts to take that control away.

Have a great week, Pastor Glen Rhodes
Arthur Mennonite Church