Throne Games

“You’ve only got to take the throne of your personality and sit yourself upon it to see at once that you are conspicuously too small for it.” (Source unknown.)

Those times when I’ve pushed God off the throne, the result has been pervading sadness, longing that’s unfulfilled, anxiety. Conversely, when I’ve reached the end of my rope, and finally given up the throne (control), my life has been characterized by contentment and joy.

The Bible says, “Trust In the Lord with all your heart; lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.”

This is true in little ways and in big ways.  There’s a godly woman from my church who is now in hospice.  She is leaving a legacy about what life with God looks like.  She has had a “conversational relationship” with the Lord — whether praying about illness or looking for that proverbial parking space. She once told a story about shopping for a much needed sofa with $100 in her wallet;  it was only when she asked for God’s help that her eyes fell upon the perfect sofa bearing a tag of $99.99.

Because God was on her throne, her spiritual path was characterized by contentment, purpose, humor.  And this amid life’s inevitable peaks and valleys.  Presently, her path is leading straight to Heaven’s door.

The Bible says that when we draw near to God He will draw near to us.  So whether you’re shopping for the perfect bathrobe, or you’re perplexed by a work issue or  a relationship problem  – pause and pray.  Bring God into your big and your little concerns.  He cares about it all.

And you might as well relinquish the throne altogether. God is more than able to direct your path.

Remember the quote about C. S. Lewis’s Aslan?  “He’s not a tame lion.”

But He happens to be our good, good father.   One who knows sofas.