Life is full of mountaintop experiences and descents into dark valleys full of shadows and doubts. Sometimes it seems that just as we are enjoying the blessing we have been praying for, life spins out of control and lands us about 180 degrees in the opposite direction. After having tumbled from the pinnacle into the abyss, encountering several bruises and injuries on the descent, we are tempted to foist our anger toward the Lord. Why would the God who just blessed us pull that blessing out of our hands?
Was it really the Lord who turned the tables on us or was it the enemy of our souls? And if it was the Lord, what can we gain from this experience that will draw us closer to God?
Who is in control after all?
God supplies this answer in Job chapters 38 through 41.
“Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand.
Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know?
Who stretched a measuring line across it?
On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone–
while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy?
Who shut up the sea behind doors when it burst forth from the womb,
when I made the clouds its garment and wrapped it in thick darkness,
when I fixed limits for it and set its doors and bars in place,
when I said, ‘This far you may come and no farther; here is where your proud waves halt’?”
Job 38:4-11 NIV
Job put his hand over his mouth as he was humbled by the Lord of Lords and said he would speak no more. This signaled to me that I need to clamp my hand over my mouth and my heart when I am tempted to question God and His purposes. To think that I know best or at least I know what seemed to be best for me at the time, it’s time to reflect on Who God is and to surrender to the One who knows all things.
At the end of Job, chapter 42: 2-3, Job replies to God:
“I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted.
You asked, ‘Who is this that obscures my counsel without knowledge?
Surely I spoke of things I did not understand,
things too wonderful for me to know.”
Oh, how much I want to control my life and all of my circumstances. I want to take the lofty moments and savor them like drops of honey slathered on fresh baked bread. But the God who knows all things is also the God who has all things under control. Nothing can thwart His plan. And He knows what He is doing.
Dear Lord, as I fly on the wings of eagles rejoicing in your blessings, may I also praise You and trust You that You are still in control when I plummet into the depths of the valley. Help me to trust that nothing can thwart Your plan and that Your plan is for good for You know all things.
From My Heart to Yours,
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Another Janis. There are not too many of us around. Great to meet you. And yes learning Who is in control is important. I am learning.
I would love you to link to Sunday Stillness at http://www.janiscox.com
Blessings,
Janis
Romans 8:28 sums it up – “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose”. Have a blessed weekend!
‘I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted.’
wow – if that Scripture doesn’t put things into perspective … thanks, Janis!
OH this so speaks to my heart Janis, thank you for sharing. I so love the mountain tops and have such trouble with the valley and Job is not one of my favourite books to read in the bible, but maybe I should do a study on it. God Bless – Nita.
What a special & lovely place you have created here. “I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted.
May we all take comfort in knowing that He who does control the sea and all creation in His hand, also carries us in His heart.
Dear Janis
I hear your heart! I truly believe that God draws us closer to Him through suffering. He refines us through suffering to teach us how to rely on Him and Him alone.
Blessings XX
Mia
Janis, so nice to meet you through the Weekend Brew link up! Thankful you shared. And I always need the reminder that God is in control of my life, not me!
This message was never clearer than last week when my husband and I were evacuated from our home due to a raging wildfire. I’ve never felt quite so helpless and out of control in my life. Nor have I ever appreciated the sovereignty of God more – and the privilege of being able to throw myself at His feet.
We came home Sunday night, and we are so grateful – for the prayers of many friends, and for the providential protection of the Lord.
He is in control – and this time He chose to stop a fire.
GOD BLESS!
Such an important reminder! I made all these kinds of mistakes – trying desperately to control my life circumstances (and failing) and complaining to God when it didn’t go as I wanted (what ignorance and hardness I represented!) Thank you for this. Even though I’m a bit better, I often need to be humbled and corrected!
Hi Janis! A friend of mine told me that she often gives her circumstances over to the Lord…and then snatches it back! So funny, but so true! Yet, who are we to think we can do it all?
Great reminder my friend!
Ceil
Janis, these verses in Job have always blown me away…..they sure put things in perspective, don’t they? Good words here.
“Sometimes it seems that just as we are enjoying the blessing we have been praying for, life spins out of control and lands us about 180 degrees in the opposite direction.” Does that ever describe what has so often happened to me! Blindsided! I have come to think that God allows that kind of plummet to show me not to be leaning on other things or people for my security and hope, but to realize all blessing is from Him and that everything earthly is tenuous, but He is… yes, in control, and will take care of all my real needs. That Job passage really puts us, and all things in and around our lives, into proper perspective. Great post, thanks.
That struggle for control! My one word for 2013 is …surrender. And that means giving God the controls of my life.