The window sill over our kitchen sink and the refrigerator are covered with little notes like the one pictured above. Harriet always thought the best witness to our children and their friends during the teen years was the keep the essentials of our faith on the walls. Today, they are reminders to everyone of some spiritual basics that help us maintain a little sanity in our chaotic world.
The saying above is actually on our refrigerator---a nice, picturesque floral design magnet plaque given to us by Bill and Garnell Clifton many years ago. It is a reminder to chill. It's not about the weather or the whether, that is, about the temperature or about questions marks about life. At the same time, the chill idea behind this saying isn't cultural buzz about laying back for a nice, restful, cozy Sunday. It's about knowing that He has everything under control, whether we feel it or not.
There are times when He is hard to detect. That, of course, isn't about Him. He's visible all around as even the heavens declare His glory. No, we're so captivated by the frantic pace, the dust clouds, the noise, and the allure of stuff that our attention is diverted downward, the treasures on earth thing. Just the same, most of us live on an emotional ledge, steps away from collapse or implosion, or some other psychic crisis. Disappointed, threatened, angry, envious people shift and sway with the winds of circumstance. The panic button, if there was one, would be our reactive choice. Instead, we worry.
So, truth needs to blaze through the fog. Weighted by the heaviness of a mad, mad world, we need something to prevent flame-out. Suddenly, there it is on the refrigerator. God has everything in control.
It's a power thought that can blast through the anxiety of the times to give us chill. Jesus said, "My Father is always at His work, to this very day. And I too, am working" (John 5:17, NIV). It's Kingdom Economics 101. God is always working. On the balance sheet He keeps for His people there is no provision for losses, write-offs, or waste. He works in everything at all times. He's got it covered. He doesn't need us.
Well, yes, He has chosen to live in His people. Further, He has told us to season and light the world with His mind and heart, to be His spokemen, to hold the biblical standard of truth, morality, and Godliness. We are called to speak to the times, to address sinful behaviors, and warn of judgment. He has commissioned His church to make disciples of all nations, to be vessels of honor, and to challenge false teaching.
All this said, He has also ccommanded us to trust Him, believe His promises, and then live confidently in the storm. We're not ot be alarmed or in a constant state of panic. Yes, we prepare for life's eventualities, anticipate the need for an umbrella, and set aside some cash for the college fund. But, we're not biting our nails over the financial markets, digging bunkers because the pinkos are coming, or moving to the Antarctic because biblical marriage is being challenged.
Today, people are worshiping everywhere. At church, the synagogue, the mosque, the stake, the mall, a favorite restaurant, the beach, sport's complex, the gym, or at home in bed or in front of the TV. We love to make gods and worship them. In it all there is truth, His truth found in Jesus Christ the Lord. Today, I'm chilling because I know He has truth covered too, and that He can use a preacher on the radio or TV, a Bible verse on a billboard, Scriptures on a national monument, an ad in a department store window, or even a blowhard like me to touch a human heart.
So, today I'm going to chill. It's not about the weather, or about the whether, either. He's in control whether I feel it or not.
Rejoice and be glad.
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