"God is in control . . ."

"God is in control." 

This is another phrase I can add to my list of "annoying Christian phrases".

Do not, I repeat, do not tell me that "God is in control" unless you want to get virtually bitten.

That phrase is one I often hear from well-meaning Christians. It’s supposed to be a comfort to me but it really doesn’t help one bit.

This is what I hear when I hear the phrase, “God is in control”:  

“I don’t know how to handle your questions, and I don’t know how to handle your negative emotions, or your pain, and I’m uncomfortable with them. Frankly, I’m not even sure if Christians should be thinking the way you’re thinking and feeling the way you’re feeling. But I know I’m supposed to say something spiritual here. So I’ll just give you one of the patented Christian phrases that we all use. Then I can walk away feeling like I've done my Christian duty by trying to 'encourage' you.”  

“God is in control” makes me think that I have no right to the feelings that I do have: the feelings of fear, anxiety, etc., over my personal circumstances and the circumstances that are around me. That phrase gives me the impression that Christians are supposed to smile and be happy (as opposed to being joyful) through everything, that they are not allowed to weep, show fear, show concern, etc. 

It makes me think of the verse in James that asks, suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If you say go, I wish you well, keep warm and well fed, but do nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? If you say, “God is in control” but don’t take the time to listen to the concerns of a brother or sister, and maybe guide them towards some practical help, what good is it?  

There’s another verse in Proverbs that says: “Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day, or like vinegar poured on soda, is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.” (Proverbs 25:20, NIV) More often than not, THAT is what the phrase, “God is in control” does to me.  

The episode I think of when I hear the phrase "God is in control" is this one:  Right before the 2008 election, I said to members of my small group that I was really afraid of the outcome.  Immediately, two Obama supporters chorused, "God is in control."  My mental reaction was, "Of course you can say, 'God is in control'!  Your candidate is going to win!"

I do believe that God is sovereign and his will will be done. I do believe that God takes care of his people. It’s not the principle I have the problem with. It’s the use of the phrase as a Christian cliche, as what is called a “thought stopper”.  

Yes, you can probably call me cynical. But that just happens to be where I am at this point in time. 

Just my .04, adjusted for inflation.

"The Lord will provide".

I have added "the Lord will provide" to my growing list of annoying Christian phrases.

Why?

It's not because the Lord doesn't provide.  I believe He does.  In fact, Philippians 4:19 even says, "my God will meet all your needs through his glorious riches in Christ Jesus".

God provided manna for the children of Israel in the desert.

He also provided food for Elijah in the desert as well.

So why am I so annoyed at the phrase "the Lord will provide"?

Because I think that it's often used as a throwaway cliche, or as an excuse to do nothing.

Some time back, I saw an episode of the TV show Hoarders where a psychologist confronted the husband of a hoarder.  The man wasn't working and, in response to a question from the psychologist about how he was going to support his family, said, the Lord will provide.

More recently, on a Facebook group I'm part of, someone asked, "If a Christian is not to work on Sunday.....who is feeding the hungry and caring for the sick at the hospital or nursing home?"

A discussion followed, and someone said, "I won't take a job if it requires working Sunday.  I tell people before I take it."

When asked, "What if your family needs the income?" the poster replied, "The Lord will provide."

So . . . apparently the Lord will magically "provide" for your needs if you choose not to work on Sunday, even if your family is poor and in debt?   I believe there's another passage in the Bible that talks about providing for your home and family, and if you don't do it, you've denied the faith and are worse than an unbeliever. (One poster replied, "Maybe the Lord provides a job that requires work on Sunday?")

What about doctors, nurses, first responders, and other health care professionals?  Will the Lord "provide" for them if they choose not to work on Sunday?  What about those who work in retail?  Those who work in an industry that is up and running 24/7?  

In the Facebook example I posted above, "the Lord will provide" almost sounded like a throwaway answer, given with a wave of the hand that brushed off the person's concerns.  "What happens if I need the money and the only job I can find is on Sunday?" "Oh, the Lord will provide."

While the Lord does provide, He doesn't always do it in the way we think He should.  It's rare that he rains manna from heaven or provides ravens to deliver meat.  Usually, he uses other people or opportunities that come our way.

I'd love us to cut out the annoying Christian phrases and really listen to our brothers and sisters who are having questions and concerns, instead of brushing them aside with phrases such as "the Lord will provide".  Otherwise, a trueism--that the Lord does provide--just comes off as hollow, insincere, and annoying.  Which is not what the Lord intended in the first place.

Just my .04, adjusted for inflation.