Skip to content

Big and Small: Who’s at the Helm?

“We are built for the valley, for the ordinary stuff we are in, and that is where we have to prove  our mettle.”.   — O. Chambers

Why is it harder to trust God in the small things, than the big sometimes? Big things like my daughter, Sofia’s diagnosis of Down syndrome or my mom having Alzheimer’s. Things where I know nothing is going to change the diagnoses. When you can’t do anything to change circumstances, it seems a bit easier to throw your hands up to God saying, “This is beyond me. I can’t do this, Lord. It’s in your hands.” But what about the smaller things? The everyday things. Being common doesn’t mean easy.

I have a theory. In the big things, I know I’m at the end of myself, which makes it easier to give them up to God. Not that there isn’t any pain or struggle, there is usually great cost. But my part is obvious. There is nothing I can do, beyond walking in obedience. It’s in the little things, where I believe I might still exude some control. There has to be something else I can do. Arrange a meeting to talk things out; do this and surely person A will be reasonable; mend fences; give more; talk it over with friends, someone’s bound to have an idea. It all adds up to a lot of movement, energy spent on a treadmill going nowhere.

The list of the ordinary goes on, building into a weight of immense proportion. Yet we often choose to carry it, slinging it over our shoulders like an unwieldy, uneven backpack with a broken strap. It’s in these things, where I sometimes feel like there has to be something I can do to make a difference, to change things. Deep down I know I can’t. I can’t control circumstances or the hearts and minds of those I or my children encounter. And what a scary place it would be, if I could.

Cast your cares, we’re told. In her book, Calm My Anxious Heart, Linda Dillow explains that the original Greek word for “cast,” means to hurl. Funny isn’t it? Hurl your anxieties at God. Hurl away. Just before the command to “hurl” is a verse that is key, yet often overlooked. Humble yourselves. First submit to God’s sovereignty, because He is the blessed controller. I’m dumbfounded how perfectly God moves, over and over again, in my life. Have to ask myself why I don’t immediately just hurl those little things at Him, too.

Who’s in control? Ultimately and in all things, God. Time to start hurling the little things and let go of the helm. He’s trying to steer, often with us gripping the wheel, fighting with Him for control. He sees beyond the horizon. He knows the way. It’s time to let go of the wheel. In all things.

“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.”   1 Peter 5:6-7

Photo courtesy of DeviantArt by Pale-Recluse

4 Comments Post a comment
  1. Nice post…I am slowly learning to trust him in all I do and to “hurl” my troubles to Him big and small.

    Thanks and God bless,
    Michael

    May 31, 2011
    • Thanks, Michael. It really is an ongoing process…trusting; one I continue to learn more about each day. Glad you enjoyed the post. Thanks for visiting Bella Verita.
      Blessings,
      Angela

      May 31, 2011
  2. Lori #

    Well said, my friend! As I read through this, I am reminded of the Tree of Life diagram that Tim Elmore spoke about. One of the branches is “See God’s Abundance.” Whenever I am feeling anxious over anything whether it be financial or not, I think of His abundance. His abundance of provisions, love, forgiveness, peace, problem-solving, patience & grace! I could go on listing, but I think you get the idea. 🙂 I didn’t even realize how often I use that particular “tool” until I read this. Thank you, Sweet Friend!

    May 31, 2011
    • Hi Lori. I remember Elmore’s talk. What a great tool & reminder that He is in control & His provision is perfect! Thanks for sharing it, friend.

      May 31, 2011

Leave a Reply

Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in:

WordPress.com Logo

You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Log Out /  Change )

Facebook photo

You are commenting using your Facebook account. Log Out /  Change )

Connecting to %s

%d bloggers like this: