Praise from the Powerless

Recently someone posted a quote on facebook. It went something like this. "Until God opens a door, praise him in the hallway." That sounded so good. There are so many situations we find ourselves in where we feel stuck in the nether world between our now treasured ordinary blessed life and the possibility of a horrible or
at least radically different set of circumstances.

You know the type of situation I'm talking about. 1)Your husband has received word that his company is transferring him to a different location. One possibility is a place near your favorite relatives and the other location is in another country. 2)You are waiting for the result of a medical test. One diagnosis could involve painful prolonged procedures, and the other possibility could be handled with a mild medication. 3) You are pregnant. The doctor says there could be a birth defect that is very serious and perhaps could  result in the death of the child or if there is a problem it may be only minor.

I am definitely not eager for bad news but in the midst of hall walking, bad news seems preferable to waiting and waiting. Do I feel that way because what seems worse than bad news is admitting that I am totally out of control ?If it's bad news I can formulate a plan. I can make long lists of what I need to do. I can find the best places to get the facts. I can ask my friends for recommendations for the best movers, the best doctors, the best support groups. If the waiting continues all I can do is pray and trust in God. I have to admit I have no power. My love can not make everything right for myself and the people I love. I don't like that. I want to provide the right amount of money, make the right phone call, give the right advice. I want to be the one to make things better.

I am not the one to be praised or glorified. That honor is for God alone. Even when I think I am in control, am I really? God is the one who chooses what is to happen. I shouldn't want it to be any other way. When I act in any of these situations it should always be with an understanding of God's sovereignty. Praising Him in the hallways of my life makes a lot of sense since God's character never changes. He is just as much in control in the hallways as He is opening doors.

 I wish I could say this is what I always do. When I do praise God in the hallways, I usually do it haltingly driven by my understanding of the truth rather than swept along by emotional gratitude. Even then, that is not the response I stay with. I usually alternate between praising and bouncing. Irrationally I act like if I bounce hard enough against those doors God might open one a little early or I might find that it was open a crack already. Praise God for His patience when I find it difficult to rest in His character.

Let them praise the name of the Lord!
For he commanded and they were created.
And he established them forever and ever;
he gave a decree, and it shall not pass away.
Psalm 148:5 - 6


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