As a self-proclaimed control freak, I know exactly how hard it can be to relinquish even an ounce of control. I grew up being taught that if you want something done right, save yourself the re-work and just do it yourself. However, I have been challenging myself, and now I am challenging you, to enlist the help of God. Yes, you read that correctly–hear me out.
When we grasp control to no end–putting everything that needs to happen on ourselves–we are forcing ourselves to try to control things that are simply beyond us. Control is an illusion. The tighter and longer that you grip this, the higher and more intense your levels of stress and anxiety are going to become. This is the last thing we should be inflicting on ourselves.
Having recognized the impact of trying to control everything, I made it a priority to shift my perspective. What I’ve started to better understand is that when we are willing to surrender our lives, situations, and circumstances to God, we’re actually placed in a situation where we don’t have to do it all on our own. He helps us. I can surrender with open hands knowing that whatever it is, it’s going to be in good (no, in GREAT) hands. For those of you who are type A overachievers and perfectionists, this is very hard to do, regardless of how deep of a relationship you may have with Christ – I speak from experience.
Giving up control is a daily task that I have to walk myself through in prayer; it never gets easier, but you would be amazed at the favor God shows to those with willing hearts. We are called to be joyful at all times! Joy is not a temporary emotion or feeling, it is a state of being, and a key part to being joyful is letting go of the uncontrollables weighing you down in life.
Oddly enough, this practice really does lift a huge weight from your shoulders. I encourage you to take the small step and try it. Let me know how it goes!
With Love,
– LW
LIFE WITH LW 