According to my log, last year we had trace amounts of rain between December 2020 and mid-June 2021. Our property was brown and crispy and ugly, drowning in a dull yellow dust. As it always does, pollen fell between January and late May. Most likely the normal amount, but without rain to dampen it, the abundant powder overwhelmed us. Anyone not allergic, became allergic. We suffered. Animals did, too. The land was so dry, the grass crackled underfoot, and the dust billowed with each step. Miserable circumstances, and as often as we wished for rain—we could not control the weather.
“…and He will shut up the heavens so that there will be no rain and the ground will not yield its fruit…” (Deuteronomy 11:17)
This spring is quite opposite—rain, glorious rain—with equal amounts of warm spring sun. End result is abundance. Our property is carpeted in bright green grass, vegetables aplenty, flowers blooming, migratory birds singing, mild daily temperatures, and surprisingly low humidity. It’s stunning, and we rejoice daily in the beauty and bounty of God’s provision. Again, we were not in control.
“He gives rain on the earth, and sends water on the fields” (Job 5:10)
“Who covers the heavens with clouds, Who provides rain for the earth. Who makes grass to grow on the mountains” (Psalm 147:8)
As often as we try, as much as we wish or hope, regardless of what we perceive about our human powers and intellect, ultimately we have no control over anything—not the weather, not each other—not even ourselves. In fact, as God so richly points out, we can’t even control the number of hairs on our heads, or what happens to them.
“But the very hairs of your head are all numbered…” (Matthew 10:30)
“As surely as the LORD lives, not a hair of his head will fall to the ground, for with God’s help he has accomplished this today.” (1 Samuel 14:45)
“Yet not even a hair of your head will perish.” (Luke 21:18)
So why worry?God promises to help us:
God proves His love for us—“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
God sustains us—“Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you…” (Psalm 55:22)
“He will never leave you nor forsake you…” (Hebrews 13:5)
God fights for us—“The Lord will fight for you…” (Exodus 14:14)
God enriches our lives—“‘For I know the plans I have for you’— this is the LORD’s declaration — ‘plans for your well-being, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.’” (Jeremiah 29:11)
“And my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus…” (Philippians 4:19)
God protects us—“He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge, His faithfulness is a protective shield” (Psalm 91:4)
If God promises to help us, love us, sustain us, enrich us, protect us, then why not boldly live every single day serving Him? God provides us with a job, a home, food, water, clothing—all the things we love.
Have you ever noticed when someone attempts to wrest control over their lives away from an all-loving, all-seeing Heavenly Father, they mess it up? Yet, every time they relinquish control, He works wonders in their life?
When we joyfully release control of our lives over to Him, amazing things occur.
Give it a whirl, and see what happens.
It’s worth it…He promises!