Do you want control?

Many people want to have everything under control, or at least believe they do. It feels predictable; it feels safe. At least we hope those feelings will result from having control of our lives. And though we should know better, it is our human nature to crave control.

Are you in control of any part of your life right now? Maybe you are enjoying a successful career. Or maybe you have a long list of qualities you’re looking for in a potential life partner, or even in close friends. Do you have control over your children’s success? Your daily schedule? Sometimes I even want to control the traffic lights and the cars around me. Ironically, that usually only happens when I’m in a hurry!

Think for a minute about the things that you control. Does that really satisfy you? How much stress do you bring on yourself by trying to achieve that control? When I try to control my life, I’m filled with worry and anxiety. The weight of the world is on my shoulders, like a huge burden.

God’s Character

God cares for us so much. And he doesn’t want us to feel burdened, stressed or worried. In fact, in the Bible, Jesus commands us not to worry (Matthew 6:25-34). Isn’t it amazing that God loves us so much that he doesn’t want us to worry about anything? Not only that, when we worry, we are disobeying God. Anxiety distances us from God and keeps us from focusing on pure obedience to Him.

When we think we are in control...

When we attempt to take control of our lives, relying on our own wisdom and our own power instead of seeking God’s guidance, we are doomed to failure. We become our own God, telling Him he’s not good enough.

Let Go and Let God

Surrender. Cast your cares upon Him (1 Peter 5). Jesus died on the cross to release you from the power and penalty of sin. Then he rose again to show His mastery over everything, even the grave. When you let God have control of your life, He will guide your decisions and give you wisdom. Any hardships you endure will make your faith stronger, if you trust Him to work through them. Since God knows your past, and holds the future in His hands, why wouldn’t you want to give Him control? He will never lead you in the wrong direction. So, what does it look like to surrender control of your life to God? Trust Him. Rely on Him. Glorify Him and acknowledge Him in everything you do and He will direct your paths (Proverbs 3:5-6). Consult the Lord in prayer before every decision, large or small. Begin every day with Him, asking Jesus to be your Lord as well as Savior. Just a suggestion: Spend a few quiet minutes with God. Ask Him to examine your heart, and reveal to you the ways you have tried to be your own god. Write down everything God shows you. Confess each thing, surrendering control back to Him. Then, destroy the list. You can shred it, burn it, or even bury it (or all three!). But DON’T hang on to it, because those things are now in God’s hands.