With the impending flood and total destruction of all people, God gave Noah precise directions for building a boat for survival.  Gen. 6:14-7:4 (NIV)   Noah was instructed what wood to use, the exact measurements (450′ x 75′ x 45′), how to pitch the roof, what animals, clean, unclean, 7 birds, 7 days, 40 days, etc.

God gave him all the details for the ark, but no rudder and no sail.

We tend to think of Noah as well provided for, safe, dry, but how did he feel with no control?  Yes, he was safe, but he was probably rather anxious about his personal situation and the global future as well.

Jesus said, “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?”  “But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness..”  “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own.” - Matt. 6:27, 32, 34 (NIV)

Between Noah’s time and Jesus’ time,  God told the Jewish exiles living in Babylon to chill out.  Jer. 29:4-14 (NIV) “Build houses, settle down, plant gardens, marry, have children, seek peace and prosperity,” for the next 70 years. Then he would rescue them.  “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” Jer. 29:11 (NIV)

Sometimes, my friend, it is scriptural to just chill out.  There are times in our lives when we have no rudder and no sail, absolutely no control.   “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”  Phil. 4:6 (NIV)