I got it

Anyone else out there crave control?

I have this tendency inside of me to control everything. I have it all figured out. I know what is best. Get behind me. I got it.

Not trying to impose, but I have a hunch that we all battle this a bit.

Take your kids. We think we know the journey they need to be on. We have experience. They need to perform a certain way, look a certain way, act a certain way, make the choices we would make. We can mold, lead them to a happy life (we think).

What about our jobs? We certainly know what is best in this arena, what everyone should be doing. Oh, here is a good one. Your child’s coach. They need to follow our orders! The list of the areas in life we try to control goes on and on. Marriage, money, health, the future, everyone’s perception of me, my life.

King Herod had this issue in Matthew 2 when Jesus was born. Talk about someone who had control! He had a powerful seat. He was king of Judea. He was called “Herod the Great” by the people. He led magnificent building projects, built many fortresses, the harbor at Caesarea. The man had control.

But, something came along and threatened his power. He knew of old testament prophecy. He knew that, supposedly, a future king would be born and lead Israel, “great to the ends of the earth.” (Micah 5). But, he probably thought that it would never happen. Maybe he thought it wasn’t true.

Then one day, Herod heard some commotion about a baby being born in Jerusalem. The Bible says that he was “disturbed.” He asked his prophets where the Christ was to be born, and it was indeed Jerusalem. Herod knew the prophecy and now it was apparently coming true. Jesus was born.

But, Herod was not about to relinquish control of his life, his throne. He would not, could not relinquish control to this Christ. He would do anything to maintain control. He even devised a plan to kill all newborns under two years old with the hope of killing Jesus. Herod craved control. He would not hand his throne to Christ.

Ouch.

Like Herod, I realize that I, too, have this made up throne. On my throne, I want the power to control every area of my life. But, the truth is, I control nothing, or at least very little.

And, the more I try to control, the further peace moves away.

Just like Herod, when you try to control all, peace is never found. Never. Everything that brings “peace” in this world ends up being a mirage. As we try to control our money, job, friends, health, kids, marriage, you name it, we can’t find peace. Just when we think we have it controlled or figured out, peace is nowhere to be found.

But, insert Christ in any of those situations. Give control to Him in any one area, and you find peace. Put hope, trust, and belief in Him, and peace will be found.

So, as I type this, I am sure of this truth. I know where to find peace. But, nevertheless, I will inevitably try to control each and every area of my life.

But, God is greater. He is a God of grace. He is an Anchor despite me. What a gift.

Run back to Him.

Impact others. Live generously.

Follow my blog.