Tuesday, 02 August 2011 01:15
Are there mornings when you wonder if the King is still in charge of his Kingdom?
A debt-ceiling deal yesterday was not enough to save the Dow from a tough day. U.S. stocks fell 110 points on disappointing manufacturing data and worries that ratings firms might still downgrade our government's credit. Neither Republicans nor Democrats are happy with the arrangement, while the average American wonders what the fight means for the future of our economy.
Overseas, the Chinese government says that Islamic radicals were behind violence in which at least 19 people were killed. Islamic militants have also launched an offensive in famine-stricken Somalia. And supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood have been flocking to Cairo's Tahrir Square recently, demanding that the nation implement Islamic law.
On a morning filled with discouraging news, I have found a parable which may help. Yesterday I was doing research for a biblical commentary and discovered this illustration from Dr. A. W. Tozer, found in his classic, The Knowledge of the Holy:
"An ocean liner leaves New York bound for Liverpool. Its destination has been determined by proper authorities. Nothing can change it. This is at least a faint picture of sovereignty.
"On board the liner are several scores of passengers. These are not in chains, neither are their activities determined for them by decree. They are completely free to move about as they will. They eat, sleep, play, lounge about on the deck, read, talk, altogether as they please; but all the while the great liner is carrying them steadily onward toward a predetermined port.
"Both freedom and sovereignty are present here and they do not contradict each other. So it is, I believe, with man's freedom and the sovereignty of God. The mighty liner of God's sovereign design keeps its steady course over the sea of history. God moves undisturbed and unhindered toward the fulfillment of those eternal purposes which He purposed in Christ Jesus before the world began. We do not know all that is included in those purposes, but enough has been disclosed to furnish us with a broad outline of things to come and to give us good hope and firm assurance of future well-being."
If you're facing a tough day, know that you're not alone. The One who holds you in the palm of his hand (John 10:28) promised, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5). As a result, "we say with confidence, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?'" (v. 6). Paul repeated the question: "If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31). Who, indeed?
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Comments
What they are afraid of is what other people (in the form of bosses, employees, clients, family members, government agents, and assorted miscellaneous strangers) are going to do to them.
In many cases, their fears are well-founded as far as the unlovely activities of "people" are concerned. If you doubt this, take a refresher trip through Jeremiah.
I thought the analogy Dr. Tozer made was apt; however, the passengers still have to be on guard during the journey.
So, what's the real answer to "anxiety" issues? It lies in Psalm 111:10.
Sometimes, with all the news and problems thrown our way we forget that our Lord is sovereign and still in charge.
All that the Father gives me will come to me - John 6:37a
I had not heard it expressed that way. Thanks for sharing that!
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