There are many forces and circumstances in life that we cannot manage on our own. That’s the truth about life for us who live in a broken and hurting world. We sometimes think we can sort things out by ourselves but end up discovering that the circumstances we were dealing with held unknown factors. As a result we find ourselves inescapably stuck in circumstances that are too much for us and which we are powerless to change.
Consequently, we don’t know where to turn to, or who to go to, for help. Unfortunately, we make the mistake of thinking things like alcohol and chemicals, food, sex, or some person, will meet our need and help us cope. However, it isn’t long before we discover that people, or our substance of choice, are not helping us deal with the real problems we are experiencing. In fact, these solutions have a hook and a power behind the hook, which drags us in a direction we would rather not go but feel powerless to avoid. These solutions have the same result as pouring transmission fluid into a car when brake fluid is needed. We have a false sense of security but disaster hits when we head out on the road.
God, in His kindness, explains the realities of life clearly to us. No one is righteous—not even one. No one is truly wise; no one is seeking God. All have turned away; all have become useless. No one does good, not a single one. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 3:10-12, 6:23 NLT)
If we have not been living our lives under the direction and empowerment of God through Jesus Christ, we are set for disaster. The good news is, there is a way out of this mess. The first step towards fixing the mess is to acknowledge the chaos and our powerlessness to fix it. Then we need to ask for help. God has a solution if we admit we have a problem, come for help, and receive from Him those things that actually give us life.
Jesus said: “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NLT)
With great relief and hope we can say to God today, “I’m powerless and my life is unmanageable. Please help me.” With joy and tenderness, God will reach out to embrace us together with all our problems, and will lead us forward along the path of life.
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