I have a son who will be getting his driver’s learning permit this summer. As a mother, I’m so excited for him to enter this new phase of independence and responsibility. At the same time, it terrifies me! The thought of watching him pull out of the driveway with the ability to push geographical boundaries further than ever before, potentially risk his life and the lives of others, and be held accountable to a whole new set of laws makes my heart stop for just a second. It’s scary and exhilarating all at once.

The whole experience causes me to reflect back to the time when I was embarking on the same journey as a teen. I recall signing up for drivers’ ed with a local company that picked me up at my house for practice driving experience. I was beyond excited to get behind the wheel with the instructor and simultaneously apprehensive about keeping us safe (while being graded along the way!)  In fact, I was so nervous, I drove far worse than I would have with just about anyone else! I’m certain it’s because I worried more about what he thought about my driving than I did about the actual driving.

Ironically, it was a loss of control that finally helped me let go and relax a bit. I took a left turn too wide and fast, and it forced us off the road momentarily. I remember feeling shocked, panicked and then alarmed that I couldn’t adequately manage the car (or myself) in the moment. But then something surprised me and filled me with relief. The driving instructor instantly took over!

Turns out, he had a mechanism that allowed him to steer the car and manage the speed to keep us safe and accident-free. He engaged his authority and instantly brought the car back onto the road. Once I knew he was actually in control and we weren’t relying solely on my inexperienced driving skills, I was able to relax and find peace. After relinquishing my white-knuckled wheel grip, I drove much, much better.

In life, God is with us, and He has control too.

It’s an important reminder as we drive through life. We aren’t alone, and God’s providence assures us that we can have peace as He works for our good.

Dictionary.com defines providence as: 1) the foreseeing care and guidance of God over the creatures of the earth. 2) God, especially when conceived as omnisciently directing the universe and the affairs of humankind with wise benevolence.

In essence, God is in complete control at all times, over all things and for our benefit.

Let’s consider who God is and what’s within His capabilities:

• He’s omniscient; He knows everything. (1 John 3:20, Psalm 147:5, Romans 11:33,  Hebrews 4:13)
• He’s omnipresent; He’s everywhere at the same time. (Jeremiah 23:23-24, Psalm 139:7-10, Matthew 6:6, Proverbs 15:3, Matthew 18:20)
• He transcends time. (2 Peter 3:8, Psalm 90:4, Ephesians 1:11, 2 Timothy 1:9, Titus 1:2, Ephesians 1:4,
• He is sovereign over all creation. (Colossians 1:16-17, Hebrews 1:3, Psalm 135:6, Daniel 4:35, Job 42:2, Revelation 19:6)
• And the BEST part…He’s not just with us, He’s within us. (Ephesians 2:22, Ephesians 3:16-17, John 14:23, 1 Corinthians 3:16)

I think about all the things in life I’d love to control, but when I review these scriptures, I’m reminded that God’s already got it ALL covered!

So…why am I holding on so tight? What good are my white-knuckled grips doing me? How can I stop wasting so much energy attempting to drive, when God is with me, trying to give me peace?

Trust is directly linked with peace.

You will keep in perfect peace
    those whose minds are steadfast,
    because they trust in you. (Isaiah 26:3)

When we know God well enough, we have can have the confidence to fully trust Him. When we trust Him, He lightens our burdens and gives us a peace we simply can’t get on our own. That peace not only calms and strengthens us, it proactively guards us too! And He promises it to us through His Son, Jesus – The Prince of Peace!

As I reminisce about my early drivers’ ed days, my greatest lesson was to relax more with the instructor in the car. I was safe in his presence. He wouldn’t allow us to be harmed, and his greatest desire was to help me learn and grow for my own good and the good of others on the road.

God is our driving instructor for life. We can have peace when we invite Him into our journey. Sure, we may get distracted and swerve. We could be tempted to speed. We may even struggle with an occasional flat tire. But, with God, we can always be certain He will bring us home safely. Our lives, our futures and our hopes are safe with Him. He is FULLY in control…and it should bring us much peace, if only we loosen our grip.

Will you pray with me?

Lord, God, I need you so desperately. Life is hard, chaotic and emotional. Sometimes, it feels out of control. But I know the truth –  You are always in control. You are sovereign, and everything alive is under Your authority. Help me to remember that you spoke all of creation into existence. The wind and the seas obey your every command. And, through your Holy Spirit, you graciously allow that very same power to co-habitate with my own soul. You are with me every second of every day, and you can deliver peace through that very same Spirit, if only I remain open to receive all that you have for me. Please, Lord, open my heart and help it to be a reservoir catching the steady stream of peace that flows only from You. I trust You. I’m safe with you. I love you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.