As I was driving today I noticed a lot more leaves on the ground. A storm blew through last night and knocked a bit of the colorful confetti to the ground. The cynical thought went through my head, “See? Even the trees are falling apart.”
But isn't that exactly how it's supposed to happen? To us it appears that things are ending, the leaves withering up, the tree “falling apart.” But it's happening exactly how it is supposed to. A renewal, a change, making way for something new. Without the color changes, the tree couldn't go into rest in the Winter, making way for beautiful blooms and leaves the following Spring and Summer.
Though so much of our life appears to take us by surprise, none of it surprises Him. We can only see this small part of a much bigger story, so we are so quick to think that we are the main character of the narrative. Rest assured, you are seen, you are loved, and your part of the story matters. But we’re each part of a much bigger story, and the All Knowing, who time does not dictate, is holding all of this together just as it should be.
It may seem scary, relinquishing control. But giving control to the One who sees all the way from the beginning to the end, and every single one of our stories in between, is the safest course to take. Because He holds all things together. And He works all things together for Good.
If you are feeling similar anxieties this week about the state of….well, everything, then I recommend picking up Colossians 1 and reading through it. Mediate on the words. Be thankful that the One who created thrones and dominions, rulers and authorities, also created you and me. Rest in His Redemptive work of reconciling himself to all things, in earth and heaven, through the work of the cross. And take heart in knowing, despite what the world wants to scream at us, that He always has, and continues to, hold everything together.
