We’re into the month of St. Patrick’s Day and four-leaf clovers. The month when green milk is fun (maybe not). And the month when everyone is a wee bit Irish because we’re hoping for a bit o’ luck to rub off on us.
Luck. We hope for good luck and bemoan bad luck.
But for Christians, is luck what we should be seeking?
I find it curious that some people are uncomfortable trusting the sovereignty of God. Yet these same people have no qualms about trusting in the capriciousness of Lady Luck. Is it because they think they can influence their future circumstances? Rabbits’ feet, four-leaf clovers and horseshoes nailed to a door are just a few ways people try to attract good luck.
The belief that we can attract luck is not a new idea. The “Law of Attraction” has been around for years. Adherents say “it brings to each person the conditions and experiences that they predominantly think about, or which they desire or expect.” They declare that thoughts sent out into the universe attract like things on the same frequency. Authors such as Rhonda Byrne claim the ultimate result is “Everything sent out returns to the source, and that source is you.”
But we don’t find the answer in magnetic thoughts, good luck charms or ourselves as the source of blessings. We find the answer in the Creator and sustainer of the universe. The one who loves us and sent His Son to die for us. And God is not just the Creator—He is also sovereign over His creation, including you and me.
God’s attribute of sovereignty means He is in control. Nothing surprises Him and nothing can prevent Him from accomplishing His plans and purposes. We don’t need good luck charms to manipulate events. Does this give you a sense of comfort and security? If not, it may be because you lack an intimate relationship with Him—a relationship that yields trust despite the situation, good or bad.
Because of my relationship with God through Jesus Christ, I can trust God’s care. Regardless of my circumstances, I know my heavenly Father is always at work for my ultimate good and His eternal glory.
The apostle Paul understood this when he described God as the one who “is able to do exceedingly abundantly beyond all that we ask or imagine, according to the power that works in us” (Eph. 3:20b).
Good-luck charms? I don’t need them. Still, in keeping with the St. Patrick’s Day tradition of giving everything a touch of green, I’ll forgo green milk. Instead, I’ll celebrate the day with a small dish of mint chocolate chip ice cream! {eoa}
Ava Pennington is a writer, speaker and Bible teacher. She writes for nationally circulated magazines and is published in 32 anthologies, including 25 “Chicken Soup for the Soul” books. She also authored Daily Reflections on the Names of God: A Devotional, endorsed by Kay Arthur. Learn more at avapennington.com.
This article originally appeared at avapennington.com.
