who is really in control

St John Chrysostom talks about the demons that killed pigs today in A Year with the Church Fathers. He says that while the demons were allowed to enter the pigs, and sent them to their deaths, the bigger picture is that Jesus was in control. The demons had to ask permission to enter the pigs. They couldn't do anything without His permission, even though they wanted to kill the men even more than they wanted to kill senseless pigs.

Sometimes our lives seem like things are out of control. Bombings and shootings are in the news almost daily now. It's hard to take the leadership in the world seriously, when we find people we have a hard time respecting in positions of leadership. Sex scandals rock the world so often it's become the norm, in the church, in politics, and in entertainment.

But even though there ARE demons of hatred, greed, and sexual abuse running crazy in the world, God is still in control. Even though the spirits of this world lead men to do horrible things, God still works everything for good, for those who love Him and are called to His purpose.

When things seem most out of control in your life - seek His face. He'll send the chaotic forces away, and fill your heart with peace. He even speaks to the wind and the waves, and they obey Him.

God, thank You for being our peace in the middle of the storms of this world. Help us to share that peace with our friends.