“What in the world am I doing on this thing?”

That single thought seized me as I found myself suspended from what was essentially a swing on steroids, 40 feet above the ground.

The “thing” was actually called “The Giant Swing” and it was one of the activities at an adventure park we visited over the weekend.

Not only had I spent an irretrievable thirty minutes of my life waiting in line to get on the notorious swing, but I was also now suspended from it like a marionette on a string.

Speaking of string, guess how the giant swing dangled from a crane? Yup, you guessed right. Sure, it looked like a strong string. And, if I had to get technical, maybe it was a “rope.” But isn’t a rope just a glorified string? The higher up I was yanked, the more I questioned my sanity.

And then came the ominous pause. When you’re literally at the top of the world—but know you’ll be flung down any second now. Like Aaaany. Second. Now. Aaannnyyy… And woooosh. My stomach veered at right angles to the rest of my body. My lungs decided to do their thing as I let out involuntary (and decidedly embarrassing) screams. Like a floppy stuffed animal on a pendulum, we went up till our toes touched the sky and swooshed down again. Finally, as all swings do, this giant one lost its momentum. I was able to enjoy the view, forget that I was attached to a string, and eventually climb down on Jell-0 legs back to level ground.

But you know what? That swing was pretty darn fun. If you have the chance to hop on a giant swing, I would recommend that you do it. But you know where you can get the exact same experience for free and without the long lines? In life, that’s where.

Because like that swing, life can go up and down and completely off its normal course. It can feel like you’re not in control. It can feel like you’re just strapped in for the ride.

But you know what, friend? If I can trust the guy in the neon yellow Adventure Park Staff t-shirt to get me through that ride, we can trust the God who created us and knows exactly what He’s doing.

He knows precisely how high that swing should go. He knows precisely how fast it should woosh around. He knows exactly how much weight and tension those ropes can bear. And He doesn’t take His eyes off us for even a second.

And it’s in those moments when we feel completely out of our depth, when we can’t rely on our own abilities or resources, when we face life’s gravity-defying circumstances, when fear and anxiety come marching into our lives as uninvited guests, that’s when we begin to know the strength and power and sovereignty of our God.

Yeah, life may throw you for a loop. But God is at the helm. He’s gracious enough to handle the yelling and white-knuckled grip and tightened shoulders. But He reminds you today that He has plotted out every square inch of that ride and even determines the speed and direction of the wind around you.

Eventually, that ride will slow down. You’ll catch your breath and your legs will get steady again. You’ll settle into a gentler rhythm. But it’s through those wobbly-kneed experiences that He displays His sufficiency.

Meanwhile, if you find that swing slowing down, open your eyes just a little and take in that view. When you see the vastness and the beauty of what surrounds you, you’ll know that you can sink into your seat, breathe a little easier, and even enjoy the ride, because He’s got you. Underneath it all are His everlasting arms.

 

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