Leave it with us

“Leave it with us.”

               The English police have a saying, whenever they receive a call for help. The dispatcher will describe what the British call, in their terminology “a sticky situation.” One of these sticky situations might involve the taking of hostages or a violent domestic dispute. The English are fond of understatement—“keep a stiff upper lip,” that sort of thing. They prize impassioned stoicism as “a good show.”

               Hence the quaintly reassuring reply by the police on the beat to the dispatcher’s understated call for assistance: “Leave it with us,” they will say. “We are thoroughly trained and are sufficiently equipped to bring the situation well in hand. Leave it with us.” However, it can be argued that policemen tend to be cocky in nature. They are “large and in charge” when they arrive on the scene and can’t be argued or reasoned with---it’s what they are trained to be, to take charge of a situation and restore order and calm.

               As Christians, we are often confronted by trials and hardships that overwhelm us. Paul expresses the same confidence in addressing the difficulty of Christian living. “I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.” –Philippians 4:13. Sometimes, however, the trial is beyond our strength. Our self-confidence lags. We cry “don’t leave me alone with this.” But though our favorite Briticism might fail us in the clutch, our faith steps up. Martha in a last gasp of hope appeals to Jesus “And even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.”—John 11:22. Jesus’ reply could be paraphrased, “Leave it with me.” Peter says “Cast all your anxiety upon him, for he cares for you.”—I Peter 5:7. When life overwhelms, remember to leave it with God.