I love riding roller coasters. Here in the Ozarks we have some big rides at Silver Dollar City, and I live close enough that I’m able to visit often. While a lot of people ride roller coasters for the thrill, I actually find them incredibly relaxing. It’s a situation where you get to experience the scary unknown with relative safety, and it’s one of the few times in your life where it’s appropriate to scream at the top of your lungs.

People tend to look at you funny if you do that in regular life. 😉

While I am thrilled by the big drops and the loops as much as other riders, another part of the ride that I love is when you’re going up the track. You know, when things slow down and that click-click-click is going as you climb higher. I always lean my head back against the seat, close my eyes, and feel the sun on my face. I am completely surrendered and at ease. Sure, I know scary and exciting stuff is ahead, but in that moment, it’s all blissful relaxation.

A couple weeks ago I was riding my favorite roller coaster and I was ruminating on just how much I like this part of the ride. It struck me that this is what I want my life with Jesus to be like: completely at ease, fully trusting that He’s got the big, breathtaking things under control. I don’t have to worry because I’m secure in Him.

I’ve trusted my future to Jesus, and therefore I can be content and at rest during the click-click-click moments when things are building but not quite here yet. When the big drops come, I can know He’s holding me fast. When life goes upside down and my feet are over my head, I can laugh because this crazy moment won’t last forever. And He’s never alarmed when I cry out to Him, even if it’s at the top of my lungs.

For quite a while now, I feel like I’ve been in that click-click-click climbing stage. I admit, I don’t like it as much in real life as I do on the rides. In real life, I can’t see how far up the track goes so I know when the next big thing is coming. In my faith walk, all I know is that things can’t stay the same forever, and drops or loops are coming up somewhere. Will they be big? Will they be a gentle roll? I don’t know.

But I know Who designed the course I’m on. I know I’m on the track He made for me.

And I know He’s the best course builder and most secure anchor I could ever have.

May there be more days when I lean my head back, close my eyes, and feel the Son at work in my heart. He’s got this crazy life under control, and He’s going to see me safely through.

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Image by Wei from Pixabay