Letting go of Control
What do you unintentionally do to feel some peace and control in your life?
Verse of the Day
Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.
Psalms 20:7
Today’s Devotional
I’ve never owned a chariot or a horse, so that’s definitely not where I put my trust. But what is the point this verse is trying to teach?
If I were to hazard a guess, I would say that my possessions are not where I should put my trust, nor should I trust in any created being – which would include other humans. Chariots and horses belonged to those in power, so I should not trust in my power. Chariots and horses belonged to those with wealth, so I should not put my trust in money. These are tools of an army or warrior, so I should not put my trust in my own victories, nor in any strength advantage I might have over someone else.
Trust is hard. For me, it’s hard because it releases any false sense of control that I thought I had. It forces me to face my lack of strength, power and control. Choosing, in the morning, to declare to God that I trust Him with my day, releases me from the need to try to get everything right. Which sounds like a good thing. But when I am in auto-pilot mode, that’s exactly what I do. I make a list. I attempt to check everything off of that list. I get frustrated when the day takes an unexpected turn and my list gets shoved aside. I feel like subconsciously I am saying to myself each day, “If I can get all of these things done, then I will be ok.” What if God says I’m ok no matter what I accomplish?
Here is the challenge I am issuing myself. I am going to say these things to myself until I believe them.
- God, I trust you when I mess up.
- God, I trust you even if no one needs my help.
- God, I trust you when I fail.
- God, I trust that you made me exactly as you intended me to be.
- God, I trust you to help me to understand what I need to know for today.
- God, I trust you when I don’t understand.
- God, I trust you when I feel uncertain.
- God, I trust you when I feel insecure.
- God, I trust you to carry me through the pain.
- God, I trust you enough to give up control.
- God, I trust you to help me make decisions.
I listened to a podcast this morning that was trying to get across the message that “you will be taken care of.” Which ultimately is a message of trust. No matter what I might be seeking in order to feel ok, do I trust God more than I need to feel ok?
Journal Prompts
Answer only the questions that seem relevant to you today.
If you are being REALLY honest, what is the one thing you need to feel a sense of peace? Do you trust God even if that never happens? Which of the “challenge” statements resonates with you as the one you need to focus on? Tell God that you trust Him in that area. Continue to tell God and yourself that you trust Him until it becomes true.