Vol. 17 No. 44 | November 2, 2015
As I write this I am sitting in a coffee shop while outside the areas around me are being flooded by downpours of rain and heavy storms are pounding the region. There are reports of streets flooding, intersections closed, and wind damage. Parents are concerned about their children and their schools. Commuters are looking for alternate routes to get home and to work. Flood and tornado victims are evaluating the damages and dealing the with the shock of yet another unexpected weather system. As I sit here I am reminded of the reality that there is absolutely nothing I can do about any of it.
Around the world today, and on any given day, the threat of terrorism creates fear and paralyzes communities. Even in areas that would normally be considered low risk for terrorists attacks are reminded daily that nobody is safe. Major power brokers keep other major power brokers constantly on alert with threats of the use of nuclear weapons. As I listen to the warnings I am reminded of the reality that there is very little, if anything, that I can do about any of it.
Our cities are filled with growing homeless populations, deteriorating neighborhoods, and staggering numbers of children left to manage life for themselves. Statical studies on the rate of marriages that end in divorce seems to be growing with little indication of slowing down. Families are in crisis. Husbands and wives often work at least one job, sometimes two or more doing all they can to get their bills paid and reduce their level of debt. I read and hear those stats and realize how limited I am at making even a small dent in the trends.
People get sick. I can do nothing about it. People die. I can do nothing about it. People are abused, violated and murdered. I can do nothing about it. Churches split. I co do nothing about it. Children go to bed hungry and alone tonight. I can do nothing to alleviate that massive numbers. Families will lose their retirement because of unwise investments or gambling addictions. I can do nothing to prevent it. Women and children will fill shelters tonight because of abusive husbands and fathers. I feel helpless.
When I see more things that I cannot control than things that I can control, I reflect on portions of Psalm 31 (especially verse 14-15) where David reminds us of his desperate situation and where he turned for comfort.
Psalm 31 (NIV)
1 In you, Lord, I have taken refuge;
let me never be put to shame;
deliver me in your righteousness.
2 Turn your ear to me,
come quickly to my rescue;
be my rock of refuge,
a strong fortress to save me.
3 Since you are my rock and my fortress,
for the sake of your name lead and guide me.
4 Keep me free from the trap that is set for me,
for you are my refuge.
5 Into your hands I commit my spirit;
deliver me, Lord, my faithful God….
9 Be merciful to me, Lord, for I am in distress;
my eyes grow weak with sorrow,
my soul and body with grief.
10 My life is consumed by anguish
and my years by groaning;
my strength fails because of my affliction,
and my bones grow weak….
12 I am forgotten as though I were dead;
I have become like broken pottery….
14 But I trust in you, Lord;
I say, “You are my God.”
15 My times are in your hands;
deliver me from the hands of my enemies,
from those who pursue me….
19 How abundant are the good things
that you have stored up for those who fear you,
that you bestow in the sight of all,
on those who take refuge in you.
20 In the shelter of your presence you hide them
from all human intrigues;
you keep them safe in your dwelling
from accusing tongues….
23 Love the Lord, all his faithful people!
The Lord preserves those who are true to him,
but the proud he pays back in full.
24 Be strong and take heart,
all you who hope in the Lord.
Those words remind me that it is not necessary for me to be in control, because God is in control. He may or may not do things the way or as quickly as I might prefer, but that is His choice. It is His world. He did create it. We are His people. He did create us. He can do as He chooses. My life reflects that His default choice is for my good, not for my harm. Most of the time I can rest easy with that thought.
A second thought that comes to mind in times when it seems I have no control, is that the only thing I really need to control is me. My thoughts. My words. My actions. My life. My attitude. And of those things the only one that I ultimately can actually is my attitude. Other people or things might alter my thinking. My words can be misinterpreted. My actions can be limited or mis understood. My life can be altered or taken from me. But my attitude is mine to choose regardless of my circumstances and the world around me. My attitude can and does determine how I perceive the thoughts, words, actions and life of those around me.
Consider Paul’s words in Philippians 4: Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. (4-9, NIV)
I cannot control everything, but I can control my attitude. That’s where I’ll start.
Tom
A Norvell Note © Copyright 2015. Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved.