Sometimes situations in our lives and our world appear out of control, and we wonder how we can bring them out of a tailspin: political unrest, economic turmoil, weather extremes, environmental disturbances, family eruptions, even unruly bodily functions and organic action. The threshold of a marvelous new millennium gives promise of discoveries and progress almost beyond the imagination, but it also poses a specter of technology, power, and conduct out of control. Are we to be held hostage to fear? Or is there a means by which we can come under the divine government and be guided into a path of safety and progress?
How can we be
guided into a path
of safety and
progress?
At one time when I was in the military, my life seemed completely out of control. What appeared to be injustice in the chain of command, and jealousy and domination by others, was rampant. It seemed that I was a victim of circumstances and helpless to alter the situation. I tried to imagine how the Old Testament character Joseph might have felt. See Gen., chaps. 37 and 39-50 He was thrown into a pit by his brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused by his master's wife, and put into prison. Ultimately, however, he was made second in command over Egypt and was able to save thousands from starvation, including his own family. No matter what situations appeared to be beyond his control, he never let go of his trust in God's direction and protecting care. It wasn't as important for him to try to plan his future as it was for him to know that, in the words of the Psalmist, "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way." Ps. 37:23
