Graves Into Gardens: Restoring Hope in Dead PlacesEsimerkki

AUTHORITY One word From You Things change On Your authority Your word It’s true Things change On Your authority “God is in control.” It’s something pastors always will tell you and devotional studies like this one love to repeat. And (while it sounds nice) it can be hard to live like it’s true when there’s so much to worry about. Am I raising my kid right? Should I move or change that job? Did I make the right decision? All of these questions have the potential to illicit anxiety and a whole host of negative emotions in our lives. So how do you process these thoughts without being paralyzed by them? The key is recognizing God's presence and authority in each of these situations; this is what Jesus taught the disciples when a storm hit their boat. You probably know the story: Jesus and the disciples were sailing to another shore when a storm hit. Gusts of wind blew, waves crashed, and through it all, Jesus was sleeping. When the disciples finally woke Him, “He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Quiet! Be still!’ Then the wind died down and it was completely calm” (Mark 4:39). Fear happened –– not because the storm was there –– but because they didn’t trust His authority over it. Just see what He says next: He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” Whatever storm you’re scared of right now, whatever’s making you worried or anxious, Jesus is asking you another question: I’m here with you… so why are you so afraid? He’s in the boat with you. He’ll calm the wind and the waves. Whatever you’re worried about, He’s already handled it. Think of one area of your life you’ve been worrying over. How can you give it to God today?