A Passing Shadow

"O Lord, what is man that you regard him, or the son of man that you think of him?  Man is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow."

Psalm 144:3-4

If we have learned anything through this pandemic so far, it's that we are in control of so little of our lives.  I think we like to think that we have control of our lives.  We surely think that we can control certain aspects, such as our jobs, relationships, or finances, but are we really in control?  Throughout this time of quarantine a lot of the things we often think we are in control of, were taken completely out of our control.  The only thing I think we are truly in control of is how we think about things.  We have power of our minds to shape our perspectives.  The more godly, Biblical perspectives shape our thinking landscape, and the more we trust the Lord, the more we realize He is in control.  Knowing and trusting in this truth, gives me comfort, no matter what happens in the world, because I realize I can't really control anything outside of my thinking anyway.  Deceiving myself into thinking I can, will only lead to stress, anxiety, and despair.  When we try to control everything in our lives, these feelings are generally an indicator we are living to pridefully and tirelessly trying to be in control of every aspect.  The real truth of the picture is a stance of humility.  This scripture verse asks the question, "what are human beings that you care for them."  Our lives are like a breath and a passing shadow, meaning we are here for just a moment in time and then gone, when compared to God's eternity.  How then should we respond knowing that our lives are so short, and that we have so little control of anything in them?  This could sound discouraging.  But, the true proper response to this that leads to peace, joy, and freedom, is a stance of thankfulness and gratitude.  Knowing that our lives are nothing in comparison to the eternity God has in store, and knowing we have so little control, we then lead peaceful, joyful lives when we submit to gratitude of all that God has done in our lives, and is doing.  Live thankful and grateful today, that you are alive now and can hear God's truth that Jesus will save you from sin and lead you to an abundant life.  Be thankful for the people the Lord has put in your life, the food you have, the breath in your lungs.  Be grateful you aren't in control of certain things.  The Lord makes your heart to beat even as you read this, be grateful you are not in control of that responsibility.  Although, we live short, uncontrolled lives, be thankful that we have an eternal God who is always in control of ALL creation.  Today, pray and lead a life that is humbly thankful for all God is doing with you, for  you, and through you!  Love you all!  Praying for you and yours!  Have a blessed day, it's your choice!