I’ve always enjoyed driving.
When my children were small and we vacationed as a family, I felt privileged to be anchored behind the steering wheel where I could be in control and keep my family safe to the best of my motoring ability. As a child I always felt secure wedged between my older brother and sister while my dad navigated the busy roadways and mom offered directional commands from the map on her lap. Yes no talking GPS back then!
I still love climbing in behind the wheel and feel that as long as I’m in that position, I can maintain control and safely steer my vehicle where it needs to go. Last week my wife and I ventured forth on a lengthy road trip. Part way my eyes became heavy and with three hours still to go, she kindly offered to drive so I could rest. But in all honesty, I inwardly struggled to relinquish control even though my Mrs. is an excellent driver! It’s just that if I wasn’t the one driving, I wasn’t the one keeping us both safe. Ok yes, I have automobile control issues!
But this got me to thinking about my own life and how often I struggle to let God take the wheel. I still find myself trying to jump in and help steer even though He’s fully capable of handling the twisty roads. It’s easy to ask for God’s help, but it can be difficult to keep anxious hands free and clear. I tend to step right back into the Captain’s chair and override His sovereign ability to guide me through a stressful traffic jam.
As a reminder of God’s hand upon my life, I found a comforting verse that says, “He will cover you with his wings; you will be safe in his care; his faithfulness will protect and defend you.” (Psalm 91:4 NIV) This reminds me that it’s ok to let God drive while sitting back and enjoying the passing scenery. It’s all about learning to trust that He knows better than I which freeway to take and which trouble spots to avoid, and that by handing over the wheel, God is ready, willing and able to quell my uneasiness.
As a driver, I often find that I don’t get to enjoy the scenery as much as my passengers because I’m too busy turning, braking and avoiding hazards. Our lives are often full of pot-holes, pylons and barricades, and it’s not always easy to pass operational control to our Lord and Savior in difficult times. In my life I need to allow God access to the driver’s seat and ask Him to grant me the trust I need to simply be a passenger. To let Him drive so I can rest my weary eyes: “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28 NIV)
Will you join me in the backseat and let God handle the bumpy roads?
Let’s enjoy the view together. That really is the best way to travel!
Paul Smyth