I am trying to get ‘control’ of a condition that resists control. Trying to gain control of anything is frustrating at best. As I watch the news (and if I go by what they show), it seems that’s not the only thing out of my control – just about everything in our nation and in our world is also out of my control.
That leads to a question, “So what is in my control?” The answer, “My attitudes.”
God directs a list of commands regarding our attitudes in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: “Rejoice always! Pray constantly. Give thanks in everything, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” [HCSB]
While maintaining these attitudes consistently is challenging, it is not impossible. God, through the power of His Spirit within us will empower us to do so. These attitudes enable us to hold on to God during difficult and uncertain times. They keep us from being discouraged and self-involved.
When we rejoice, pray, and give thanks always we participate actively in God’s will for us. And being in the center of God’s will is realizing an awesome security that cannot be found in this out-of-control world.