Control

Control.

We want it. Crave it. Fight for it. Demand it. 

And when we realize we don’t have it, anxiousness, fear, frustration, and hopeless thoughts ensue. Our mind takes over, pulling us to the mental valleys in life.

There is another way. Give up your control. Submit.

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he stills my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil, my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23

When I was in Colombia, I was talking to a young girl who had lost her parents to the diseases of the jungle, and she had found refuge at an incredible home for children in need. Life in southern Colombia could be tough, but this young girl found peace and security. She didn’t have material possessions or the sheltered life that many have in the States. And, at such a young age, she had very little control over the external factors that were taking place in her life.

I asked her to point out her favorite Bible verse, and she began eagerly flipping through the pages. I was intrigued to see where she turned. She found the verse, and proudly slid the Bible in front of me.

Psalm 23 stared back at me. A moment I will never forget. An underlined, highlighted chapter of comfort, hope, and peace to this young girl. A passage that acknowledged God as the one that controls her journey. The Leader with the staff was walking in front of her. This little girl, who didn’t have much, pointed to a verse that said “I shall not be in want.” This young girl had discovered the source of joy, hope, peace, security, and grace. She had given control to her Father. And, He provided peace in the valley.

Ever find yourself in a moment of despair, a time of anxiousness, a time of hopelessness. Could it be that you are trying to control what can’t be controlled? If you really think about what you can control in life, it isn’t much, and trying to control with all our might can move us to a bad spot mentally.

God simply wants us to give up control to Him. He has prepared a table for you. Let Him guide through the journey of life.

On three occasions, God approached Paul with a similar message.

• One night, the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision. “Do not be afraid, keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.” Acts 18:9-11
• The following night, the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.” Acts 23:11
• Last night an angel of the God whose I am and whom I serve stood beside me and said, “Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.” Acts 27:23

If you know the journeys of Paul, you know that they can be described as anything but easy. Notice that in each of the above occasions, God begins by calming Paul’s thoughts, then reminds him who is in control. Do not fear. I am in control. And, in these verses, God ends by telling Paul that he has a plan for him.

By relinquishing control, we are free to follow his will. And, His will is not for us to sit still. Quite the opposite. Just like when God approached Paul and like it says in Psalm 23, God leads. He has a journey for you. The Creator of the universe has a path prepared for you.

Relinquish control and go. There is great peace, hope, comfort, and grace with Him leading.

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