Who’s Steering This Thing, Anyway?

Who’s Steering This Thing, Anyway?

Remember that you also have a Master—in heaven.

Colossians 4:1

One of my favorite quotes is an old Jewish proverb that says, “If you want to give God a good laugh, tell him your plans.” In other words, we are not in charge of our lives. Unfortunately, most people seem to think they are, and they give God little credit for being the Master of the universe.

That reminds me of a newly elected politician who was visiting Washington, DC, to get his bearings before moving there to take office. During his visit he had dinner in the home of one of the longtime senior senators. After dinner, they walked outside to the edge of the Potomac River and stood there, taking in the familiar sites of the nation’s capital and talking about the wonder of it.

From where they stood, they could see several landmarks, including the Capitol building, that instill a feeling of quiet awe and wonder in those who view them. As they watched the powerful river flowing by, the senator pointed out a rotten log.

The old-timer said, “This city is like that log out there.”

The fledgling politician asked, “How’s that, Senator?”

The senator replied, “Well, there are probably more than a hundred thousand grubs, ants, bugs, and critters riding along on that old log as it floats down the river. And that river is taking that log straight to the ocean, where it will likely be lost forever. But I imagine every one of those critters thinks he’s steering it.”

O Lord, I know that you are the Creator and Master of the world and of my life. I give you praise and glory for your astonishing works. And I willingly place my life in your hands. Please guide me, protect me, and love me, Lord. Amen.