He is in Control

Do you ever have doubts about God's love for you? Or how much power he actually has? Does he hear us when we talk to him? Does he really control the universe?

God's absolute control of everything is clearly shown in Joshua 10:13. Joshua had asked God for more time to win their battle over the Amorites. "So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, till the nation avenged itself on its enemies."

The sun stopped in the middle of the sky for almost an entire day because Joshua asked.  We know because of our discoveries that God had to take care of a lot of details to do this.  The revolution of the earth around the sun is a very important part of keeping us alive.  We also know that all God had to do is 'speak it' and it was done.

The sun stopped.  The universe stopped its regular course - the course it had been on for hundreds, possibly thousands, possibly millions of years.

When the Creator of the Universe heard Joshua's request, he said "stop" and everything stopped.

I love these instances in the Bible where God exercises his total control over all things.  It is such a clear reminder of who he is.  How omnipotent he is.  And how much he loves us and listens to us.

Later in the Bible, we will read about how Jesus calmed the storm because the disciples were afraid.  The wind and the waves stopped when he gave the command.  Because Jesus was in control.  And he cared. We will also read in the New Testament about Jesus walking on the water out to his disciple's boat.  Jesus created the water and he could make it do whatever he wanted.

Ten years ago around this time, I was in Israel on a boat in the middle of the Sea of Galilee when the wind started picking up.  It whipped through the open boat bringing a shimmer  of excitement.  It was easy to imagine the King of the Universe calming the wind or walking out on the water to our boat, just like he did in the New Testament!

The fact that God is in control brings peace into my heart when our culture and our world goes crazy.  This being an election year,  I know I will be repeating this fact many times in my head to myself and out loud to others around me.  I don't trust politicians and their motivations.  But I trust God,  I know he loves me with a perfect love and he is working all things out for my good.  He doesn't always give me what I want, he gives me what is best for me.

Thank you, Abba Father.

The earth continues to revolve because that is his desire.

Thank you, Abba Father.

The bright sun rose in the sky this morning because of God's love and faithfulness to you and to me.

Thank you, Abba Father.

I will take my next breath because my Father God is making that possible.  He provides the air.  He provides life to this body.

Thank you, Abba Father.