A few years ago, during a hot and humid summer, I was privileged to spend a few days away at a lovely high-end resort. I am a person who requires little to no air-conditioning, preferring to be a bit warm versus cold.
Naturally, the resort had the rooms adequately cooled for the comfort level of the masses, not me. It was frustrating when I adjusted the thermostat in my room to suit my comfy preference and then shortly after it defaulted back to the original chilly setting. This happened numerous times making me ever so cold and uncomfortable.
I then inquired with the resort personnel about how to turn off the AC in my room. I was shocked to learn that turning it off was not an available option to guests. I put on my jacket and piled ALL the bedding from the second bed on top of me and finally got some rest.
Analogy
During prayer the next morning, the Lord put a lesson on my heart. The oration I heard in my spirit went like this, “If you fight/resist ME the Master Control of life, it will be frustrating. Comfortable is not always a life option, joy dissipates in resistance, and your self-efforts to control will prove to be in vain.” An unexpected analogy, gifted by the compulsory experience of a frigid night.
This was not the voice of an arrogant, domineering, bully god. No, this was a message from the living Creator God, who was, and is, and is to come. I know He loves me. He is sovereign over all because He created everything–we are the workmanship of His hands. He has power and authority that mankind would be wise to heed. As I see circumstances in my nation unfolding, I think many are making futile attempts to control or change things they cannot, much like me trying to override a cooling system that I had no authority or power to do so.
I believe people in the US, who are currently agitated, angry, and frustrated over things out of their control, would find peace, comfort, and rest if they were to yield themselves to God’s sovereign authority.
A surrendered heart provides peace, comfort, and rest.
God’s Strength
David spoke often of God’s strength and attributes throughout the Psalms. “For I know that the Lord is great; our Lord is greater than all gods. The Lord does whatever he pleases in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all the depths. He causes the clouds to rise from the ends of the earth. He makes lightning for the rain and brings the wind from his storehouses” (Psalm 135:5-7, CSB).
Man’s Ignorance
David also spoke of his own position in contrast to God’s righteous sovereignty. “When my heart was embittered And I was pierced within, Then I was stupid and ignorant; I was like an animal before You” (Psalm 73:21-22, NASB).
A Warning
David warns those who turn to their own ways. “But as for those who turn aside to their crooked ways, The Lord will lead them away with those who practice injustice. Peace be upon Israel” (Psalm 125:5, NASB).
Have you ever found yourself frustrated while trying to control things you could not? Have you chosen to submit to the authority of God?
Prayer
I invite you to join me in praying one of David’s prayers acknowledging God as Almighty.
“May you be blessed, Lord God of our father Israel, from eternity to eternity. Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the splendor and the majesty, for everything in the heavens and on earth belongs to you. Yours, Lord, is the kingdom, and you are exalted as head over all. Riches and honor come from you, and you are the ruler of everything. Power and might are in your hand, and it is in your hand to make great and to give strength to all. Now therefore, our God, we give you thanks and praise your glorious name” (1 Chronicles 29:10b-13, CSB).
Author Bio
I am a follower of Jesus Christ, grandmother, great-grandmother, foster care parent, and trauma survivor. I enjoy sipping tea, writing devotionals, prayers, short stories, and unburdening my heart to the Lord. Check the About page if you want to read more of my story.
Would you like to know more about the afterlife and how you can be assured of eternity in Heaven? Check the Questions page.
Check the Free Gifts page for downloadable/printable study guides and resources.
Copyright © 2020-2023 Musings of Manette Kay™ All rights reserved. Requests to the author and publisher, Manette Kay, for permission.
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This==> “If you fight/resist ME the Master Control of life, it will be frustrating. Comfortable is not always a life option, joy dissipates in resistance, and your self-efforts to control will prove to be in vain.” WOW!!
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I felt the same “Wow!” from the Holy Spirit at the time this happened–humbling.
Thank you, Barb, for your comments and encouragement. I wrote this 18 months ago way before beginning to blog. When I read it last night I sensed now was the time to post it with a little refining of the writing. May the Lord bless you.
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I am seeing the inner squirming in my wife ever since the election, and even more after the Capitol was overtaken. I tend to “rest” in His grip a bit more than she. It’s good that He points this out to me so that I can recognize how to comfort and when. Excellent read, Nanette.
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I’m glad you recognize your differences and can extend extra compassion to your wife when needed. Isn’t that what our Lord does by extending grace to us through Jesus? May you be blessed and continue to rest in His grip!
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Yes, so true.
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Oh, by the way… my name is Manette with an “M”.
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Yes, I am so sorry. I typed that, but the software automatically replaced my “M”. Arg. I need to proofread more closely. Thanks for letting me know.
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No worries… it’s so annoying when the technology corrects/changes something that is not incorrect. Texting produces most of my–argh moments. God bless you.
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I seem to need a daily adjustment and experience God’s peace is the brewing storms around us. Commit each day to the Lord, submit and rest in his sovereignty. I know about those master controllers on the heat and air. A good illustration Manette.
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It was my first experience where I couldn’t adjust the room setting but it made for this great illustration. Lessons delivered by a real life incident are ones I easily remember.
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Control freaks are Christian frauds. That is too harsh, but how can we live demanding control when we are slaves to the Creator of the Universe? Your point is right on, to the glory of God.
Peace
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Amen, we are slaves to the Creator!
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Life teaches us that we often have little control over the events of life. And yet He is still in control and guides our feet along these unknown ways. He never abandons us or leaves our side.
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Amen. So very true. Thanks for reading and commenting.
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I absolutely love how He speaks to us through the circumstances of our daily living! Thank you so much for sharing this. I’m with you, and not a fan of the temps many people enjoy with the AC! Probably a product of living in the tropics with only fans for twenty years now 🙂
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Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts. The tropics sound nice right now, I’m in the midwest US in sub-zero temps this week.
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I’ve been hearing from a lot of US friends about how unusually cold it is! Wish I could send you some of our weather!
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