Who’s in Control?
Good Morning Friends,
As we give our attention this advent to preparation for Christmas I am cautiously optimistic about what the season will bring to light for us. And as we look back over the last twelve months I find myself, and you might be the same way, in need of receiving a season of peace, a season of joy and a season of prosperity that cannot be purchased at the store and gift wrapped. It makes me want to cry out to the Lord asking Him to make good on His covenant promise, to make good on His name Jesus, His name which means God Saves. And then I see there is wonder in His name, there is wisdom in His name and there is wealth in His name. There is promise in the prophecy of Isaiah, a prophecy that claims that this has already been done. A child has been born for us, a son has been given to us…God’s Great Gift. So, during this Advent Season let us prepare for God’s arrival anew in our lives. Let us make a place for Him in our life so we can celebrate in the parade of God’s faithful on His road to salvation. Let Him be our answer to the question. Who’s in Control?
Scripture: Let me hear of your steadfast love in the morning, for in you I put my trust. Teach me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.
Psalm 143:8 (NRSV)
My child, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; for length of days and years of life and abundant welfare they will give you. Do not let loyalty and faithfulness forsake you; bind them round your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good repute in the sight of God and of people. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Proverbs 3:1-6 (NRSV)
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness— on them light has shined. You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onwards and for evermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
Isaiah 9:2-7 (NRSV)
Message: Don’t assume you know it all. Listen to a voice in the wilderness of your life calling you to prepare to be forgiven so God can use your fruits for the purpose He intends for you in your daily living. Listen for God to direct your ways in a life that honors Him. That is the way to live well and to live in His kingdom that never ends. Like a child race to Him. Use your heart… your broken heart. Don’t try too hard to figure it all out in your head. Just be loyal and love His ways. Ask Him for help in this work and He will give it. He will make your path straight. What counts is your life. What must change is your life…. the potholes filled, the detours straightened out, the ruts paved over, every bump smoothed. So make your life count…. Let go and let God change you. God has a way of blessing those who trust in Him with their health, wealth and happiness. But sometimes tragedies happen. Life gets out of control. Sometimes life is beyond us and uncertain. But it is never beyond God. Learn that there is a treasure in trusting in His love. Be surprised by the joy of His severe mercy. Trust in the treasure of His provision, His knowledge, His security… Trust in His grace and peace, knowing that in all things that matter, God is in control.
Pray we realize that all authority rests on Christ’s shoulders. Pray we trust in Him. Pray we acknowledge Him. Pray we realize that He is the Wonderful Counselor, the Prince of Peace, the Mighty God, and the Everlasting Father of a new creation. Pray that during this season, we can unwrap His zeal, His joy, His endless Peace and Prosperity. Pray we experience His presence and authority in our lives. Pray we overcome the discouragement of the season and the disappointment of loneliness, criticism, and false expectations. Pray we realize that we are not in control but that God still loves us and that is enough.
Blessings,
John Lawson
Daily Devotionals 