Out of control, that’s how I’m feeling today. I’m sure I’m not the only one.

I’m currently staying with my sister-in-law and brother-in-law, having evacuated due to wildfires. I’m pretty confident my house will not burn down but the air quality was beyond breathable. Even here it is heavy with smoke. My poor dog is beside herself between the smoke and the new surroundings. So unsettling.

This whole year has been riddled with challenges beyond my control, leaving me feeling at the mercy of other people and situations forced upon me. Some we all share in, (COVID), some more local, (wildfires), some with family, (son’s house fire), some as a couple, (property purchasing), and some as an individual, (pain, surgery, and depression).

I was about to say it’s challenged my faith, but the truth is my faith is not the issue. My hope and my joy fade in and out. Their stability is compromised and I wonder when they will crash. Will I come to expect the worst? Will I sink down in my depression once again?

Last Sunday we had a guest pastor. He spoke about how God sings over us and if we pay attention to the songs on the radio we may hear his message to us. The other day I actually had three songs speak to me. This one remains speaking to me — Tasha Layton, Into the Sea (It’s Gonna Be Ok). Her lyrics, “I can hear my Father singing over me, ‘It’s gonna be okay, it’s gonna be okay.’”

I feel my soul needing that repetition, that assurance.

She sings out of these two scriptures:

So we will never fear even if every structure of support were to crumble away. We will not fear even when the earth quakes and shakes, moving mountains and casting them into the sea.

Psalm 46:2 (TPT)

For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.

Zephaniah 3:17 (NLT)

I truly believe it is God reminding me, speaking to me, “It’s gonna be ok.” When I hear those words, I have peace. When I hear those words, my soul sighs and remembers. He is my strength and my song.

Will you join me in prayer, remembering all who feel out of control? I pray they will feel the peace of God and hear him singing over them. I pray that even in these times of uncertainty they will find God coming alongside them through his people, assuring them it’s going to be okay.

Grace & Peace,

Sandy