Contentment, the Gift of God

As a test pilot for spacecraft, I was in control. If the beryllium alloy hull became too hot, I knew how to cool it. If the inertial reference came out of alignment, I knew how to calibrate it. If toxic gases infiltrated the air system, I could run a detect and purge them. I studied each craft’s schematic, and I had a plan for every contingency.

However, my personal life was crumbling like asteroids impacting the moon. How could I be promoted for my skills but fail at the rest of life? My relationships were falling apart, and I was falling further and further behind on my goals.

The expanse of space with all its brilliant colors surrounded me. I was alone. Perhaps I could create a master plan for how to fix my life. Sheer will could solve problems, after all. Yet, much as I’d tried before, my life had never been perfect. Why did I think I could shape my life into what I wanted? Every time I fixed a problem, another one arose.

Then I felt a presence around me, something bigger than me. Soft words spoke to my heart: “Will you trust me?”

“Who are you?†I said. A warmth enveloped me.

“Your Creator. I made these starry host, and I made you. I know your deepest needs.”

Tears welled in my eyes. I couldn’t even identify my deepest needs. “What do I do?â€

“Trust me. Get to know me. Spend time with me. I will live in you and guide you step by step. I knew it had to be the God of the universe.”

“Yes, Lord.†I felt a calmness in my core. I could never make my life perfect, but I could trust someone who controls the planets’ orbits to control my life. • Michelle Cochran

• God is the Creator and Ruler of all. He created us out of love for relationship with Him. But because humans sinned and were separated from God, Jesus came to rebuild the relationship we destroyed. Now, we can know Him again. Through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, He offers us new life, different from and better than anything this broken world has to offer. The life He invites us into is one of humility. It’s not an easy thing to give someone else control and give up our own way. But God is here. He knows everything, and He understands your life. He is completely good, and He wants what is best for you (Romans 8:28). Are you willing to trust Him?

• What might it look like to spend time with God and get to know Him?

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5 (NLT)

Read Verses:

Ecclesiastes 1:2; 5:18-20; Matthew 16:24-26; Romans 1:25