The other morning as I was out for my walk I was pondering the fact that several of my friends and acquaintances – and probably several of you out there in this wide world – have anxiety. I got to wondering about the causes behind and solutions for anxiety. This caused my mind to take quite a few little bunny trails and one of them landed on sunrises.
In my ponderings I realized that the way we talk about the sun – that it rises and sets – seems as though the sun moves around the earth. When in reality, the earth is the one spinning and orbiting. So, I wondered about my own life – do I live my life and speak about it as though everyone around me orbits around me and I’m the center? Or do I realize that I’m one in 7 billion and we are each connected somehow.
Our lives were not created for everything to revolve around us. We don’t have control of the movements, actions, or responses of those around us. We can only control ourselves.
Sometimes we (I) need a perspective change. We didn’t create this world or solar system. Whether you believe in God or not – it is still something much bigger and more powerful than you that makes the world go round.
My ponderings paused on the idea that God is the One who is in control – not me. And I can rest in that. In fact, I can take a really deep breath and simply revel in the fact that God is in control – not me.
I don’t make the sun rise or set. I’m simply in control of my own thoughts, attitudes, and actions. And that – for me – is a huge relief. I am free to live, to have joy, to help others, to laugh, to enjoy nature.
From out of a storm, the Lord said to Job: Why do you talk so much when you know so little? Now get ready to face Me! Can you answer the questions I ask? How did I lay the foundation for the earth? Were you there? Doubtless you know who decided its length and width. What supports the foundation? Who placed the cornerstone, while morning stars sang, and angels rejoiced?
When the ocean was born, I set its boundaries and wrapped it in blankets of thickest fog. Then I built a wall around it, locked the gates, and said, “Your powerful waves stop here! They can go no further.
Did you ever tell the sun to rise? And did it obey? Job 38:1-12
But we also see in Psalm 32 that God will protect us – He didn’t just set the world up and step away. He’s still involved.
You are my hiding place! You protect me from trouble, and You put songs in my heart because You have saved me. You said to me, “I will point out the road that you should follow. I will be your teacher and watch over you.”
I’ve just shared some of my thoughts while out walking and enjoying a sunrise – I’d love to hear from you.