Fear Not! I am in Control

Daily Devotional – Thursday, July 13. 2023
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.
Isaiah 43:2 (NKJV)

I love to know and feel I am in control. Knowing I have everything planned and nothing will take me unawares fills me with confidence. The opposite situation causes confusion, panic and stress. Consequently, I always do my best to ensure I am in the driver’s seat of my life.

Calling the Tune

Well, that is the ideal situation, because even with my best efforts, I often experience moments of mix-up and fright. Life has a way of disorganizing all my plans and landing me in a quagmire. I may look okay to people around me, but I know I am not calling the tune.

That is why one of my favourite Bible passages and promise is Psalm 43:1-2, which states, “But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you. I have called you by your name. You are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you.” (Isaiah 43:1-2).

God Reigns Always

Literally, God is telling us that even with our best efforts and intentions, moments will come when we will not be in the saddle. Although He is our Redeemer and He loves us with unfathomable love, He will disrupt our plans and allow trials to assail us for our good.

It is a matter of when (not if) you will walk through floodwaters and fire. Thankfully, God promises to be with you in the floods and ensure they will not drown you. The fires, too, will burn around you but you will emerge unharmed.

Fear Not! I am in Control

In other words, God is in the driver’s seat always even when you do not see Him. When joblessness, financial challenges, illnesses, bereavement, family conflicts and other trials threaten to overwhelm you, remember God has a reason for them and is right there with you. You are not on control but God is, and that is what matters most.

Which formidable challenges are you experiencing today? Do you feel like giving up? Pause for a moment and hear Jesus whispering, “Fear not, my child. I am in control.” Surrender to Him now and allow Him to lead you in the path of safety, peace and prosperity.

Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank you because You are in the driving seat even when I am not in control.