I smiled as a friend told me about his experience in a New York City taxi. The driver seemed determined to demonstrate his skill and daring in negotiating the traffic congestion of the big city. He went careening down busy streets, making abrupt turns, nearly sideswiping cars, and coming to screeching stops.

My friend was sure the trip was going to end in a cemetery. He was frustrated and afraid because he didn't have control, and he felt that his life was in unreliable hands.

As I thought about my friend's experience, it reminded me of our human tendency to want to be in charge of everything. We are nervous whenever we feel that the control of our lives is out of our hands.

As followers of Christ, we know we need to yield to Him as the Lord of our lives. We can do that without fear as we remind ourselves that He would never be reckless in the way He leads us. We need to learn to relax in Him and believe that He can handle anything He allows to come into our lives.

Although we need to plan and live responsibly, we are wise to recognize God's control (Proverbs 16:9; James 4:13-17). It is God's will, not our efforts, that keeps us alive and safe. The best place to be is in His hands.  —MRD II  — Mart De Haan