Due to Circumstances Beyond Our Control

Doesn't that phrase irk you? When something's not working right, and you call to complain to someone...anyone...and you're told there's nothing they can do? Oooh, I get so steamed!

I have several circumstances in my life that are beyond my control. Things that aren't right, and I can't do anything about. I'm not going to go into the details here, but on different levels, I'm having to learn to, as my girls' favorite song says, "Let it go."

So what do you do when you're faced with such a situation? In Philippians 4, Paul tells us, "I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content."

What? That's not helpful at all!

Of course, he's talking about relying on God. While we're all looking for a quick fix or a recipe for that contentment, it's actually much easier than that. It's about laying down our burdens and allowing the Creator of the universe to pick them up.

Wow, that's hard for me to do. How about you?

Just before this, Paul also gives us a pathway. He says, "do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Okay. I think I can handle that. I could certainly use less anxiety.

Going backward again, Paul tells us to "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice."

Pretty hard to do that in the middle of circumstances beyond our control. But since that's what God has said through Paul, don't you suppose we should follow through?

I've had my share of tears this week, due to these "circumstances," as well as sad news of global events and the death of a respected, beloved actor. I'm tired of feeling sad. So I'm going to hold onto that exhortation to rejoice. I'm going to be grateful to God. And I'm going to find that contentment. In whatever situation.

And I'll turn over those pesky circumstances to the Almighty.