trbccoffeebreak

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” Psalm 46:10

Are you a “list person”? As for me, not only do I incessantly make lists, but if I do something that’s not on my list, I will write it on there just so I can cross it off. It’s so satisfying—am I right?

The problem comes when I feel the need to jot down what I think should be on other people’s lists…and then hound them (to their face or in my own mind) until each item is completed. The way I believe it should be completed. These are some of the signs of a control freak.

We all may be able to relate with the above scenario surrounding, say, household chores (clothes-folding methods, vacuum patterns, etc.). But what about the bigger issues of life? A child’s academic dedication (or lack thereof) in high school, or the way a friend is handling a marital problem. Or, what about the choices being made by college-age or adult children—kids you “raised in the church” and who have professed their faith, but now they’re walking far from the Lord?

Sisters, here are some hard words to hear (and I’m telling them to myself): “We have to let go of trying to control others. “We can share our wisdom and truth from God’s word. We can communicate how we’d handle the situation at hand, given our experience. That child, friend, or spouse may not listen or change their behavior. But. We. Cannot. Take. Control.

We can, however, pray. We can “be still and know He is God.” Give God the burden and let Him have control over the situation. (He’s got it anyway, regardless of how frequently we try to wrestle it away from Him!) When we love someone, it’s really hard not to want to take over and “fix” what’s going on. But we have a God—the Creator of the universe—Who is sovereign and able.

So, let’s turn our eyes away from those situations we want to control and focus on the One Who has it all in the palm of His hand.

“Lord, thank you for the reminder that You are God, and I am not. Help me cast my cares—and control—upon You, knowing You will work all things for good according to Your purpose.

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life