|
|
|
|
Tuesday, Jan 2 - Surrendering Control
|
|
|
|
DEVOTIONAL: “SURRENDERING CONTROL”
|
Everyone desires control: Control over your spouse, kids, friends, the future… We all want to control our lives. But ultimately, we are not in control, for we are not God. This is why God says in Proverbs 3:5-6:
|
|
|
|
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.”
|
|
The only person in control of anything is God. As Proverbs 19:21 reminds us,
|
|
|
|
“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”
|
|
If you feel out of control, it’s because you are! But you couldn’t be in better hands. Proverbs 16:3-4 instructs us,
|
|
|
|
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. The Lord works out everything to its proper end.”
|
|
God created you for a purpose (Ephesians 1:11) and no matter what your circumstance may be, God works for the good of those who love Him and have been called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).
|
If you find yourself walking around worn out and frustrated, there’s a chance it’s because you are trying to control everything or everyone around you. Control is the enemy of rest. Jesus tells us,
|
|
|
|
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
|
|
When things feel out of control, your tendency is probably to hold tighter, grip harder, or work more. But Jesus explains the opposite is true. He wants you to come to Him with open hands and surrender control to Him. He will meet where you are, and He will be your rest.
|
But how do you give God control?
|
#1: Talk to Him. God wants nothing more than for you to spend time with Him. Talking openly and freely. Tell Him your struggles and invite Him to help you.
|
#2: Read your Bible. I heard a quote once that said “if you want to hear God’s voice read your Bible out loud.” When you read the Scriptures, you learn about God’s attributes, character, and desires for you.
|
#3: Listen to Him. Take the time to be still and listen to what God is calling you to give over to Him.
|
|
#4: Thank Him. We know the Lord is good and we should have thankful hearts, but how much gratitude are you actually showing Him for all He has done for you?
|
God loves you immensely and wants to be the One in control of your life. As you surrender control to Him, you will find peace and clarity on God’s will for your life.
|
|
Father God, thank You for reminding me that the safest place to be is always in the center of Your will. I’m releasing control to You today, choosing to remember and believe that You are good, and I can trust You at all times. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
