Even in times of panic, God is in control of the situation

A friend of mine and I were on a two-hour drive from our town to another. As we drove we were talking about life, ministry, sports, just all sorts of things. As I pulled onto the interstate entrance ramp at a place where at least 20 miles or more separated the exits, I looked at the dash and saw not only that the low-fuel light had come on but also saw they light that says, "You're almost out of gas and there are no gas stations around you."

I was panicked. I could just feel the anxiety building up. I didn't want to run out of gas and I didn't want the guy who was with me to know that we were about to run out of gas. All of a sudden I was in an anxious situation that caused me to feel out of control with very little options.

The level of anxiety in our lives rises exponentially when things begin feel out of control -- especially when others make decisions beyond our control and influence that deeply impact our lives. It seems like no one is in control around here.

In Daniel chapter 2 Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon has had a dream that he cannot recall and does not know what it means, causing him to lose sleep. He calls his wisemen in to the throne room to both reveal the dream and its meaning. The successful ones will be rewarded greatly, those who fail will be torn limb from limb. Even Daniel's life was threatened despite being miles away and knowing nothing that was happening in the throne room.

Daniel acts in the only way that can bring any resolution to this lose/lose situation. He prays and he seeks other to pray with him. God answers them and reveals the mystery. Daniel, who had everything to lose, praised the God who gives answers.

This song of praise he gives for this answer reminds us not only that is God in control of this situation but also that he is intimately aware of our involvement in it. God's allowance of the intolerable should never be viewed as an approval of the heinous crime. We live with a knowledge that nothing is beyond God's influence, and He intimately knows us. God is ultimately in control of the present we see and the future we cannot. Why should you fear?