What Rules Your Life?

 

By: Sarah Geringer

The Lord has made the heavens his throne;
    from there he rules over everything.

Psalm 103:19 NLT

What rules your life?

Your automatic response may be Jesus.

But often, we let other things—even good things—rule our lives.

Have you ever let any of these good things rule your life?

1.       Marriage

2.       Relationships

3.       Family

4.       Work

5.       Church

6.       Food

7.       Rest

8.       Play

9.       Comfort

10.   Social Media

Friend, I’m not pointing a finger at you. I’m pointing ten fingers back at me.

In different seasons of my life, I let all those good things take the throne of my attention, focus, thoughts and longings.

I’ve also let bad things rule over my life. Bitterness. Unforgiveness. Criticism of myself and others.

None of those things—good or bad—served as worthy rulers. If I was honest with myself, I felt empty when they sat on the throne of my heart.

If we allow anything else but God to rule over our lives, we will lack the peace we constantly seek.

The Lord God Almighty, the one we worship, is seated now on a throne in heaven, ruling over everything. The entire universe. Everything on planet Earth. And everything in your life, good or bad.

Does this truth scare you? Comfort you? Encourage you?

When other things were on the throne of my heart, this truth scared me. I thought about that familiar picture of Jesus knocking on a door, patiently waiting for me to let Him in. I considered how it would feel to say, “Sorry, Jesus, but I don’t have room for you because _____ is my honored guest today.”

Not a good feeling. But God used that feeling to help me dethrone unworthy things from my heart’s throne.

The Lord God Almighty is seated now on a throne in heaven, and wants to sit on the throne of your heart.

This was a long process. Letting go of familiar habits, like eating for comfort, takes time. Letting go of toxic relationships isn’t always clear-cut. Even placing God above my family has been a struggle. But I’m glad God showed me the value of His complete rule over my heart.

When I let go of both bad and good things so Jesus could come in, I gained the peace, love and joy I desperately sought from all those other things. Only God can provide those lasting blessings.

Now this verse comforts and encourages me. I’ve learned that nothing else satisfies me like God’s loving presence. His rule over my life gives me strength, perspective and purpose.

When I feel like life is spinning out of control, I remember God’s transcendent rule over my life. His thoughts are not like my thoughts, and His ways are higher than my ways. (Isaiah 55:8)

I’m so glad, because I don’t do a very good job at ruling over my life! But God does a perfect job of ruling over every minute of our lives.

I also take comfort in God’s sovereign rule. His sovereignty means that nothing happens without His knowing about it. Nothing escapes His rule. All the good and the bad are apparent to Him, and I must trust that He is working all things together for my good (Romans 8:28).

Friend, I don’t know what’s going on with you now. But I do know that God knows. He is transcendent and sovereign over every detail of your life. I pray that truth brings you comfort and encouragement.

He wants to sit on the throne of your heart and rule your life if you will let Him do so. Will you invite Him in today?

Have a wonderful week!

Blessings and God's peace to you,

Sarah Geringer
Finding Peace in God's Word

Photo from Pexels.com

Reflection questions:

1.       What thing is sitting on the throne of your heart, where God wants to reign?

2.       What may you gain from letting God rule your life?

Note: A version of this post originally published on June 6, 2018.