It’s a new year with a roller coaster of emotions. Feelings of joy, yet uncertain about what will come in the year. I can tell you that I have already had my fair share of challenges so far. I have written down various goals and aspirations that I would like to achieve, but I do not know what this year will truly look like for me. Being on edge about something I have no control over is nerve-wracking. I do not know the hurdles I would have to overcome this year. Some may be minute, others may be major, who knows? It is almost like I am anticipating something bad to happen. Why? Because not knowing the details can produce self-induced worry and anxiety. I do not know about you, but I would love to know the details. I love order, structure, and organization. I love to be able to plan ahead, knowing everything. However, life does not always work out to be that way.
We are on a car ride where Jesus is the driver, or He should be. I would create a big mess if I tried to do things myself. So, like the song says, “Jesus take the wheel.” Even in that, there is still the urge to tell Jesus to go left or right or to keep going. He’s in the driver’s seat, but we still want to tell Him where to go. Sometimes, the road ahead looks bleak, and we do not understand why He is taking us on this road. Sometimes, there are bumps, twists, and turns, and we wonder if there was not another route Jesus could have taken us. Imagine, though, if Jesus had listened to our directions. What if He had listened to some of our requests? I know for some prayers I prayed, I am glad Jesus paid no attention to. I would not be where I am today if some of my prayers were answered. Think about it, though: what if we, who are not experienced in how to fly a plane, were trying to give directions to the pilot. We would probably have the plane crash or end up in the opposite direction, causing delay or permanent damage in our lives.
Trying to take the place of Jesus in our lives can cause unnecessary delay or dire consequences. When we let go and let God have His way, we will understand it better by and by. I do not have all the answers to my life’s questions, but I know Jesus is and will always be the answer. Like Job, He knows the way that I take. He knows the burning questions I have. He knows the uncertainty that I feel. Yet, I am reminded…
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself…
Matthew 6:33-34 (KJV)
When I choose to seek Jesus, nothing else matters. When I choose to rest in the direction of the Master Pilot, nothing else matters.
I am also reminded of the story in Luke 8, where Jesus was sleeping on the boat during a storm. His disciples thought it would be their end, but Jesus had a peace where nothing else mattered. Jesus mastered the art of living an unbothered life. How different would our lives be if we truly let go and let God? What burdens are we still carrying when we already said we gave it to Jesus? Life is uncertain, but we do not have to live without hope. Jesus is our hope.
Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast…
Hebrews 6:19 (KJV)
Our lives have hills and valleys, but we have something anchored, sure, and steadfast—Jesus. We may not know all this year has for us, but we know the Author of our life’s story. Although it may feel uncomfortable at times, every chapter of this year has a hopeful end.
Raphael R. Roker 