Give It Up

Read

Matthew 6:33-34 “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

Think

Do you ever find yourself in a wrestling match with God over control of your life? Maybe it’s over your family, your finances, or even your time. We claim to love Jesus and say we’ve surrendered to him, but when things don’t go our way or God’s plans don’t align with ours, we attempt to veto his decisions. It’s a crazy power struggle with the Creator of the universe that happens all too often. We tirelessly seek self-improvement methods, push and prod others to meet our desires, and end up feeling anxious and depressed because we crave control.

And life has a way of throwing unexpected curveballs our way, leaving us feeling cheated and betrayed. We long for fairness in a world that’s inherently unfair. It’s a bitter pill to swallow, but control is an illusion, and life isn’t fair—no matter how much we wish it was.

Have you ever found yourself grappling with God, trying to steer the course of your life in your preferred direction? The allure of absolute control is undeniable, yet utterly impossible. The audacity of thinking we possess the knowledge and power to determine our destiny is not only baffling, but also blasphemous. Yet it’s a struggle many of us can relate to as we strive to feel loved, accepted, and in charge of our own lives.

So, what’s the solution to this delusion?

It begins by acknowledging our lack of control and the inherent unfairness of life. Knowing God is good and trusting in his goodness can be very freeing. Surrendering to God’s will daily through prayer offers a sense of release, like opening a valve on a pressurized balloon. Prayer embodies humility, reminding us that it’s not us, but God, who’s in control. It’s a beautiful act of surrender where we bow down before our Creator, offering praise, receiving forgiveness, and expressing the deepest desires of our hearts.

So, to all my fellow control freaks out there, let’s embrace the liberating power of trusting in God’s will. Through prayer, we can relinquish our futile attempts at control and find peace in acknowledging God’s sovereignty over our lives. It’s in surrendering to him that we discover true freedom and fulfillment.

Apply

Start each day with a prayer of surrender, acknowledging God’s sovereignty over your life. Invite him to guide your thoughts, words, and actions throughout the day. End each day with a prayer of gratitude.

Pray

Lord, you are the Creator of the universe and your plans for me are good. Give me the strength to surrender daily, seeking your will in every decision I make. Help me to trust in your faithfulness and provision, knowing that you are working all things together according to your purposes. In Jesus’ name. Amen.