What do people do when something goes wrong?  They approach whoever’s in charge.  If there is bad service at a restaurant, they ask to speak to the manager.  If they are concerned about an education issue they contact the principal or the school district or even their state’s officials.  When facing a health crisis – one would seek the most knowledgeable and experienced to help them navigate through.  Our instinct is seek out an expert on the matter at hand.

I for one am not a fan of being in charge of anything.  I step up when necessary, but it is a weighty job.  The responsibility and importance of that role is intimidating.  Some are born to be in charge – naturally assertive and competent.  But in times of crisis even our leaders must remember to ask who is in charge here.

My husband does an outstanding job of providing for us.  He looks out for us in every way he can and we feel safe under his leadership.  I am typically in charge of taking care of all the details and planning and carrying out those plans.  These are good and wise things that God has instructed us to do.  The book of Proverbs in the Bible has so many inspiring words on diligence and hard work and how our wise choices bring good things.  Planning and working hard demonstrates attentive wisdom.  We should each one of us show diligence, being especially proactive in serving and caring for others if we are able.  But if we take our eyes off of the Author of those instructive words, we plan with futility.

Ultimately it is God who is sovereign over all.  None of us knows what tomorrow will hold.  I think of all of the people who have been planning for weddings, trips, reunions, etc.  My heart breaks for all of those who have had to cancel these meticulously prepared plans.  They laid the plans and did all they knew to do to make them come to pass, with great expectation.  Nothing they could have done would have made a difference.  This whole Coronavirus ordeal changed all of it.

We may wonder and even worry whether or not we’ve done enough to be prepared, staying vigilant in regard to our future needs.  But take comfort that none of us can do this job perfectly.  We cannot see everything, we do not know everything. It is impossible to make ourselves and our loved ones exempt from all the possible harm we could imagine. The comfort comes from leaving that daunting task to God to carry out His will and plan for each of us individually.  We trust a good God who will accomplish what He will in the middle of our trials.  Who knows exactly what His plans are or how He will move?  But He is trustworthy and His love for us will be front and center when we look back at the big picture that contains all history.  What a relief to know that we are not the ones in charge here.

May we seek God far above anything we ever ask of Him. He is our hope. He is our future.

Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.  Psalm 20:7

The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but deliverance is of the LORD.  Proverbs 21:31

There are many plans in a man’s heart, nevertheless the LORD’s counsel – that will stand.  Proverbs 19:21

He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, but whoever walks wisely will be delivered.  Proverbs 28:26

Whatever the LORD pleases He does, in heaven and in earth, in the seas and in all deep places.  Psalm 135:6

The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear Him, in those who hope in His mercy.  Psalm 147:11

I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in His word I do hope.  Psalm 130:5

My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.  Psalm 121:2

Seek the LORD and His strength; seek His face evermore!  Psalm 105:4

My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him.  He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved.  In God is my salvation and my glory; the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.  Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.  Psalm 62:5-8

Oh, send out Your light and Your truth!  Let them lead me; let them bring me to Your holy hill and to Your tabernacle.  Then I will go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy; And on the harp I will praise You, O God, my God.  Why are you cast down, O my soul?  And why are you disquieted within me?  Hope in God; for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God.  Psalm 43:3-5

Our soul waits for the LORD; He is our help and our shield.  For our heart shall rejoice in Him, because we have trusted in His holy name.  Let Your mercy, O LORD, be upon us, just as we hope in You.  Psalm 33:20-22