“My life is out of control!’ Seems like an epidemic doesn’t it? People are being pulled every way but the way they want. The job, the kids, money, lack of money, health, it’s all an information overload. Our lives can be so inundated with issues that we usually do one of two things. Either we stress out so much that we go looking for something/anything to give us some sense of security, or we do like the song in the ‘Lion King’ and practice ‘Hakkuna Matata’- I just don’t care about anything!
Looking for a life with security can be like the guy who was marching through the swamps of Louisiana, holding a flashlight. He said to his Cajun companion, “I hear that alligators won’t get you if you’re carrying a flashlight.” The experienced young Cajun said, “Well, sort of. It all depends how fast you carry that flashlight!” False security is no security.
But God does have a way to get our lives in control. He calls it “reigning in life.” Having that sense that everything is really all right and is under control. Knowing what is important, and getting those priorities in place. I have noticed it is not the difficult things, or the tragic things that happen in life that make or break you. It is the way those things affect you.
Romans 5:17 (NASB)
… much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.
Do you see that? It says by receiving grace and mercy from God, you can rule in this life. Now it is not talking about ruling over other people. Our problems don’t come from not being able to control others. If you could kick the person who causes you the most trouble, you would not be able to sit down for a week! Controlling or ruling our own lives is the problem. For instance, let’s take our tongue. How many times have you said something and before it is even out of your mouth you are thinking, “Me and my big mouth! I can’t believe I am saying this.” We say things we regret, we damage relationships, and hurt those we love the most. Sometimes I hear people say, “I just have to be honest and tell it like it is.” Usually what is really happening is their mouth is out of control and they have a long history of ruined relationships. Learning to control that little muscle behind our teeth is a monumental task
1 Peter 3:10 (NKJV)
He who would love life and see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips from speaking deceit.
Wouldn’t it be nice to get some RULE over that monster!? How about living in such a way that you sense that everything is working out because He has promised to help every time you ask? Such is the life God has for you.
These two key elements, mercy and grace, are things He has made available for you. They are there for the “taking.” If you choose to take them, your experience in life will change. You will live the life of being what the Bible calls the “head and not the tail…above and not beneath..the first and not the last.”