Letting Go of Control
I’m single so I don’t have so much “need to control” anymore. I have my say with the remote control, choosing what to eat and when to eat it, when to wake up and when to go to bed. But I’ve noticed some control issues far too many times. God noticed and I feel His divine chisel out that is slicing and dicing off my rough edges. It isn’t comfortable, but I am yielding to His still small voice that often gets loud and clear. I’m letting go and letting Him control.
No doubt, all of us, in one way or the other, have some “control” issues. Recently I was trying to reorganize a group meeting AFTER the plans were settled and done. What in the world? Lord, please help me let go and let others have their way and, to let go and let YOU have YOUR way. My “go-to” scripture for reminding me that I AM not in control, but God is, is Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and LEAN NOT to your own understanding. In all your ways, submit to Him and He will direct your paths.” Thanks, God! I needed that reminder!
Maybe you relate to my musings this morning. I heard a mom share how her grown, married daughter doesn’t want to communicate with her or even come to see her and spend time with her. But the back story is this mom has control issues – always advising and telling her what to do. She is one of those helicopter parents (overprotective and hovering over every move of her daughter). Control issues are the enemy’s tactics to drive wedges in relationships.
I’ve had young passengers (my grandchildren) with me in my car and before I could get the car started, they were already telling me how to drive, which road to turn on, which direction to go and how fast to go. I am very proud of myself because I just let them “control”. They’ve all been driving, or not yet driving, for a minimal amount of time, but I’ve found that there are just sometimes when it’s best to let a controller be in control – for Pete’s sake — and for peace sake.
Bottom line – why do we need to be control freaks? Isn’t it time to let go of having to control. It’s time to choose “surrender” over “control”. Submitting instead of controlling. Again, that scripture says it best….”in ALL your ways, submit to Him” – let Him be the controller.
Dear God, I confess I like being in control. It makes me feel safe and secure. It makes me feel like I have a purpose. But I know that being a control freak isn’t going to get me anywhere. Help me surrender control to you each day. Help me trust in you deeply, so that I will not fear surrendering that control. Thank you, Lord, for loving me so much that you guide me to be the best me – in or out of control! Amen.