September 5

This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: ‘The LORD, the God of heaven, who has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, has appointed me to build a house for Him at Jerusalem in Judah. — Ezra 1:2 BSB

It’s reassuring to know that nothing is going wrong in this world, even though it sometimes feels like everything is in chaos. It should comfort us to remember that there is Someone greater than us who is in control of all things!

A little boy was sitting in front of his father in a carriage, holding the reins. But the father also held them, though the boy didn’t realize it at first. Then, when one of the reins was pulled through his small hands, he understood and said, “Father, I thought I was driving, but I’m not, am I?”

In the same way, we often think we are in control of important things. But there is One behind us, whose hand is truly holding the reins.

“In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will.” Ephesians 1:11

“The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.” Proverbs 16:33

“A king’s heart is a water channel in the Lord’s hand: He directs it wherever He chooses.” Proverbs 21:1