Abdicating the Throne

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2008

I have come to the conclusion that I may be a bit of a control freak. I’m not an organized person. I just don’t like to be unable to make every piece of the puzzle of my life fit. My days don’t usually go well when something unexpected (like life) happens. I’m not good with the unknown. I like to know what’s coming at me so I can get a handle on the situation. So I can meet whatever problems come my way head on. And conquer them.

I talked to my pastor today, and he had a phrase for this behavior. I believe it was “sitting on the throne”. At the time, we weren’t discussing me, but upon further reflection, I have begun to understand that this is exactly what I have been trying to do. I have attempted to be Queen of my life. And let me tell you something- I make a lousy Queen!

Here are a few things I have realized….

First of all, life happens. There is nothing that I can do to change whatever events a day may bring. Whatever will be will be. And for me to get all bent out of shape over things isn’t doing me or anyone else any good.

Second, I can’t see the future. So, although things may happen to me that I don’t care for, me being miserable or always being on the defensive will, well, just make me more miserable and defensive. In a sinful world, things are bound to not go the way I want them to. Why should I make myself crazy trying to wish that things were different?

Third, as my very wise friend pointed out, God is at work in every circumstance. Whether I like the way it looks or not, God is working on some aspect of my life at this very moment. God has plans for everything that happens to me. He has a goal in mind, and yes, eventually I want to get to that place. But my friend reminded me that if I am in a hurry to get to that place, I will miss out on everything that God wants to show me along the way. I wonder how much I’ve missed out on already because I was in such a hurry to get where I thought I should be????

And last but not least, the battle is the Lord’s. 2 Chronicles 20:15 says, “ ‘This is what the Lord says to you: ’ Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.’ ”. I see with the eyes of a mere human. I can’t possibly know what good God can bring out of this situation. And whether it’s what I think would be best, or whether God has something completely different in mind, I know relinquishing my control to God is what’s best for me. I will abdicate my throne to the One who knows me better than I know myself.

Mark 8:34-36….. “ ’ If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for Me and the gospel will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?’ ”.

Lord, I pray that You will help me to not miss anything that You have to show me and teach me as I make this journey. I don’t understand everything, and I don’t always like what I’m going through, but if it will help me trust You more, and help others to see how very real You are, then it will all be worth it! Keep me steadfast in this decision to give up control of my life to You. I do no good when I’m on the throne! AMEN!

POSTED BY KRISTIN AT 9:00 PM