I’ve been thinking about this for several days. Naturally, in those few days several friends have used the above phrase. Still, I can’t let such things deter me. I must speak the truth: “It is what it is” has got to be one of the dumbest phrases ever! Wouldn’t it be easier just to say, “I have no intelligent thoughts right now, so I’ll speak empty words”? Voted top cliché in 2004, “it is what it is” is now showing up on everyone’s list of “banished words.” He does what he does. They make what they make. The dog barks what he barks. Enough!

Never mind that the first known use of the phrase was in the 17th century, in the writings of John Locke. It’s still a miserable excuse for rational thought. But here’s what really gets me about the phrase: it’s come to reflect a general resignation to circumstances that is growing in our culture. Where we once saw ourselves as in control of our own destiny, we now see ourselves as slaves to fate. No responsibility for what happened in the past; it is what it is.

The interesting thing, though, is that religious people have long used a similar concept. “The Lord willed it that way.” I remember a Tank McNamara cartoon where an athlete was being interviewed. “I didn’t want to drop that pass,” the athlete told the newsmen, “but it was the Lord’s will.” One of the guys’ teammates in the background says, “The Lord is my alibi, I shall not want.”

I believe that God is all powerful and could control absolutely everything that goes on in this world. I also believe just as firmly that He has chosen not to do so. Not everything that happens it what God wanted to happen. He has granted unto men a certain about of free will, and that free will affects history. Look at Jeremiah 26; God says that His actions will be affected by what the people choose to do: “This is what the LORD says: Stand in the courtyard of the LORD’S house and speak to all the people of the towns of Judah who come to worship in the house of the LORD. Tell them everything I command you; do not omit a word. Perhaps they will listen and each will turn from his evil way. Then I will relent and not bring on them the disaster I was planning because of the evil they have done.” (Jeremiah 26:2-3) Also, consider that God’s desire is that everyone be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:5). Guess what folks: it hasn’t happened yet, in 2000 years. Why? Because God still allows men to make their own choices.

It is what it is? It was God’s will? Maybe. Maybe not.