Control Issues

Read

Psalm 46:10 “He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth.’"

Proverbs 19:21 “Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.”

Think:

Have you ever had these words slide from your lips, "I feel out of control" or "Who is in control here?” We all battle for control, even though it is like catching a unicorn – impossible. In the 1940s, Reinhold Niebuhr wrote the Serenity Prayer:

"God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference."

Inside this little prayer is the potential for colossal life change, if we take time to refocus our perspective. As followers of Jesus, we hand over control of our lives to Christ. If we find that we are walking around frustrated and worn out, there's a chance we are trying to wrestle for lordship. Control is the enemy of peace, the enemy of rest. Jesus wants our surrender, and he will give us rest. He can take our situations and everything we give to him and turn them into more significant opportunities to show his glory. Allow him to have his way.

Apply

Release control. Give everything that you are wrestling with over to Jesus and pray about it. Make room for Jesus to do what only he can do.

Pray

God, I come to you with all my worries and pride. I confess a leaning toward control. I open my hands and give my life and situation to you. I surrender. Your way is better. Amen.