Lord of All

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28

We had tucked our house guest’s wee ones in the beds and the grown-ups and teens were gathered round the table playing a late night card game of Rook. Two reasons contributed to me not actually participating in the game: one, I was not asked to join anyone’s team and two, one of our dear teens wanted to learn to play the game. So as she held the cards, I sat near trying to guide her in how to play. Our games times are fun and competitive, and this night was no exception. There was laughter, chocolate, family and the player who sometime likes to crow like a bird! Good times around the table were evidenced by the fact that we would occasionally have to tell ourselves to be quiet so we didn’t wake the dear little ones.

After several games of me giving my best advice to guide the dear teen, and seeing that she was doing mighty well, I encouraged her to let the Lord guide her as she played and I moved to my desk nearby and started to write. And then one of the players asked, “Like the Lord’s involved in a Rook game?” My teen and I looked at each other and responded, “Yes!” Call us crazy, but we are believing the Word. He is either Lord of all or He is not. And when I read all, I believe it means ALL. All the things you think of as being “churchy” and the daily routines, the mundane, the fun, the silly, the beauty, the pain.

One of the first verses I put to memory as a child was Romans 8:28. As a child this meant that He could take my worries about being the last pick for kickball, or not remembering how to spell a word on a test, or having someone be unkind to me and work them together according to His purpose. If He loved the birds (Ps. 50:11) and He knew how many hairs are on my head (Matt. 10:30), so to my child-like mind, He knows what cards I hold in my hand.

As we watch the grains of time slip through the hour glass of sand
I believe, He, Lord of All, is even concerned with cards in hand
No thing passes His glance
No person, word, action or game is left to chance
He is the Lord of all
And daily to our hearts He calls
A child-like faith is what He wants
Not framed diplomas with fancy fonts
Let Him rule, Let Him reign
Heed His bidding and do not disdain
Maker of heaven, giver of life
Is concerned with all, heartache, fun, and strife
He is the Lord of all
And intimately to us He calls
Allow Jesus to be Lord of all.