Sometimes it’s hard to think straight. My mind races in a thousand different directions, unable to stick with a single thought. The incoherent cacophony inside my head reverberates against my skull and shatters like china falling on a cold tile floor. I try to slow it down and reach for one clear thought, but it slips through my fingers and continues its wild race. A runaway train, shards of broken ideas, fragile half-thoughts flying by at warp speed. How am I supposed to think, much less work, in this chaos?
The train whizzes by: Prayer-take captive every thought-cast your cares on Him-Jesus take the wheel. Wait. What was that? Jesus take the wheel? Where did that come from? God, is that you? (It’s me again, Margaret). Stop, stay on track. Jesus take the wheel. I force my mind to focus on this single fragment of thought.
Jesus Take the Wheel
I know it is a country song, but it rings true in so many ways. When my mind feels fractured, frantic, and frail, I need Jesus to take charge because only He can empower me to:
- Stop trying to catch those runaway thoughts
- Pull the emergency stop
- Give Jesus control
- Let His peace flow over me, calming my mind and heart
- Listen for His voice – it’s a gentle whisper in the chaos
- Be still and know that He is God
Beside the Still Waters
As we let Him take the wheel, Jesus steers us to the still waters where we find refreshment for our souls, peace for our minds, and comfort for our hearts. There in green pastures and beside gentle streams, God renews our spirits.
“He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”
Psalm 23:2-3 (ESV)
We’re one deep breath, one moment of release away from being encircled in the peacefulness of God’s arms. As they wrap around us, we realize we can let go of the anxiety, worry, and overfull to do lists. We can simply breathe in the air of our Savior and let Him take His rightful place as the driver of our lives.
Jesus is in control. He isn’t our co-pilot or chauffeur. He is our captain. He controls the future. He provides for His children. He knows our pain and suffering. He will give us grace and strength for whatever we are walking through.
Even if our circumstances don’t change, our minds will find renewal in the presence of God. When we turn the wheel loose, we discover that the hands of Jesus are sure and steady. He knows how to navigate through the twists and turns of life. He understands the path of the storm. We are precious cargo and He will get us safely home.
We’ll be tempted to take over when things don’t happen when or how we want. Our minds’ steering assist system will try to wrestle the wheel away from Jesus. But just like automatic steering systems don’t know what lies ahead, we don’t always see the hazards in front of us until it is too late. Jesus knows that sometimes staying between the lines is the surest way to hit the obstacle in the middle of the road. Trust that Jesus knows what He’s doing.
With Jesus in the driver’s seat we’ll be on course for fulfilling His purpose in our lives. Whether He takes us zipping down the highway, ambling along the scenic route, or off-roading in the desert, we can trust that the destination will be worth giving up control.
So sit back, give Jesus the wheel, and enjoy the ride.
Father, we know that Your plans for us are good and ask that You help us when our minds are racing out of control. We invite You to take every thought captive and make them obedient to You. Thank You for being our peaceful shelter, our sure counselor, our closest friend. We surrender control to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Spread the spark of hope everywhere you go,
Michelle
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I want to follow Jesus! How do I get started?
“This is how we know that we live in Him and He in us: He has given us of His Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent His Son to be the Savior of the world. If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God.
1 John 4:13-15
If you are ready to join the family of God, simply believe and ask. You can choose your own words or pray the prayer below. God hears your heart, simply confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and let the Spirit lead you.
“Father, I want to be yours. Forgive me of my sins. I believe that you sent Your Son, Jesus Christ, to die in my place. I accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior and thank you for the gift of salvation through Him. I invite the Holy Spirit into my heart and surrender my life to You. In Jesus name, Amen.”
Feel free to spend time just talking to God and sharing your heart with Him. Let Him speak to you and listen as He leads you forward into new life. Welcome to the family.
Need to talk or have questions? Feel free to reach out and contact me.