“The heart of a man plans his way, but the Lord established his steps.” Proverbs 16:9 ESV
I’m not in control, and I like it.
I’ve spent time trying to be in control, and so I know what I’m talking about. Sometimes I thought all of my planning and worrying were working, and they appeared to be in the short term. But in the long term? No way.
And yes, sometimes I need to be control (mostly of students, and of course of my behavior), but the control I’m referring to is the control over everything that happens in my life: my plans, my future. . . and other people (yikes – are we feeling convicted yet?).
What I’ve learned it this: I don’t want to be in control.
Yup, and I’ll say it again. I don’t want to be in control. Because I haven’t found it to make any kind of difference, and it only stresses me out. In fact, I sometimes feel like I should be more concerned, but I’m just not. Instead, I pray and give it to God. (No, this isn’t always my first response to circumstances that arise, but I’m a work in progress.)
Now, getting to this point has been quite a journey for me because I had to acknowledge my pride before I could give up control.
But here’s the conclusion I’ve drawn:
If the Bible is true (2 Timothy 3:16 ESV)
and the Bible says that God wants His best for me (Jeremiah 29:11 ESV)
and that God will guide me to His best for me (Isaiah 58:11 ESV)
and that God carries out His plans (Isaiah 25:1 ESV)
then why would I want to be in control?
Instead of trying to be control, I can put my effort elsewhere:
- Praising (Psalm 7:17 ESV)
- Enjoying creation (Psalm 145:5 ESV)
- Encouraging others (1 Thessalonians 5:11 ESV)
- Using the gifts He gave me (Romans 12:4-8 ESV)
And then. . .
What about when people around you stir you up or try to be in control? Pray for them 🙂
What will your response be when the need to be in control arises this week?
“The heart of a man plans his way, but the Lord established his steps.” Proverbs 16:9 ESV
