6 Man is a mere phantom as he goes to and fro: He bustles about, but only in vain; he heaps up wealth, not knowing who will get it. 7 "But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you. 8 Save me from all my transgressions; do not make me the scorn of fools. 9 I was silent; I would not open my mouth, for you are the one who has done this. 10 Remove your scourge from me; I am overcome by the blow of your hand. 11 You rebuke and discipline men for their sin; you consume their wealth like a moth--each man is but a breath. Selah

12 "Hear my prayer, O LORD, listen to my cry for help; be not deaf to my weeping. For I dwell with you as an alien, a stranger, as all my fathers were. 13 Look away from me, that I may rejoice again before I depart and am no more."

The Psalmist is not accusing God of treating him wrongly. Rather, he is acknowledging that God is in control of his life. Whether it is good or bad, God is still in control. The difference in these is the perceived motive behind the actions of God. The Psalmist understands that God will only do what is right and good for him. While he does not understand why some things are happening or what he needs to do about them, he accepts the hand of God. Yet, he cries for mercy that the trials be lifted.

When things happen to us today and we don’t understand why, we need to accept this same way of thinking. God is in control of our lives. God only wants what is best for us and has promised that if we love him and follow his calling, he will use everything that happens for our good. One of the problems we face is thinking that we can somehow control our own lives and our destiny. While we can decide to serve God or not serve God and thus in that sense control our eternal destiny, we must understand that even then we are only accepting the gift of God. God is in control. The more we submit to his will, the more he will take control for us. Too often what we want to do is hire God as our assistant manager and keep the job as manager. In our minds we “let” God have some control but we still make the final decisions. The problem is that we never had control in the first place. We must just submit to his will and let him direct us, lead us and guide us.

O God, help my unbelief. Give me strength to submit to your will in total faith, knowing that you not only know what is best but that you will always do what is best for me. Please fill my heart with your Spirit that I may be more like you each day. I ask a special prayer today for so many that are hurting and have special needs. Use me to be an encouragement and help to them. Give me strength and opportunity to share Jesus. In his name I pray.

May God bless each of us as we live for him and trust him today.