What We Don't Trust, We Will Try to Control |
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“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” — Matthew 6:34 NIV Recently, I had the opportunity to visit the command center aboard a ship. Toward the end of the tour, the captain asked if I would like to sit in his seat. As I sat down, I couldn’t help but be amazed at all the skill and expertise necessary to safely run this vessel. My friends took several pictures of me looking like I was in control. But it was an illusion. I didn’t have the knowledge or the experience to do anything helpful unless the captain instructed me.
Can you imagine if I’d asked the captain, who was fully capable and fully equipped, to entrust his ship into my fully incapable hands? I can verify, without hesitation, that me being in control of that ship would have been a risk no one wanted to take. It may have felt good to sit at the controls for a few minutes, but if I wanted to return home safely, I had to trust the captain. In life, there are dangers only the ultimate Captain knows how to handle. -
Trying to carry the weight of holding everything and everybody together is a role God never called us to play. And it’s taking a great toll on our peace.
Now, I want to slow down for a minute and acknowledge how tough it is to release control — because honestly our motivation isn’t just that we want to be in charge but that we want to be safe. |
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Sometimes I catch myself mentally running into the future, where I fear there is impending doom, and then trying to make choices today to steer away from trouble. Sometimes this is wise. But while it’s good to plan for the future, we don’t want to obsess over the future. We can control our choices today, but we cannot fully control the outcomes of tomorrow.
I don’t like that last sentence any more than you do. But as I’ve been on a trust journey over the last couple of months, I’m learning how to acknowledge what may or may not happen in the future while choosing to live in today. This is what I can control: making wise choices right now, knowing God is a good Captain.
This is what I can’t control: all that happens in the tomorrows to come. Jesus reminds us of this truth in Matthew 6:34:
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
The only way I have found to stop myself from reaching for control is to recognize when I’m getting controlling. And in that moment of realization, I need to pause and begin surrendering to God what I can’t change: -
God, I’m surrendering this unexpected turn of events. Instead of panicking and missing Your provision, I’m going to look for Your provision that is here.
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God, I’m surrendering this tension with my friend. Instead of rushing to make judgments against her or myself, I’m going to let the Jesus in me talk to the Jesus in her through prayer before addressing this issue.
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God, I’m surrendering how sad I feel today. Instead of trying to numb out in unhealthy ways, I’m going to worship, listen to Your Truth, look for Your presence in nature, or process this with people who are biblically wise.
These prayers are my way of acknowledging that God leads and I follow. Now, please note that I used the word “surrendering,” which indicates I’m still in the process of doing this. I have in no way perfected this — but I am willing to practice it, and I hope you’ll join me.
God already knows how flawed our efforts will be, but any time we keep our hearts bent toward Him rather than pull away from Him, that’s good progress.
Heavenly Father, You know how I wrestle between trusting You versus taking control. I need Your guidance as I seek to surrender it all to You. I want to trade in the powerlessness of trying to control outcomes and people and gain the strength of surrender to You. I want to release my fears and replace them with a peaceful trust in You. I can’t do this without You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. |
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Shared with permission from Proverbs 31. * |
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You are invited to join us for the I Want to Trust You, But I Don’t Online Bible Study by Lysa TerKeurst starting January 21st! We all have issues stemming from broken trust, damaged relationships, and we end up wondering Does the Bible have answers for any or all of this? It does! Lysa is going to take us on a biblical journey through our broken belief systems to having discernment in Jesus Christ. Come join us!
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Having your trust broken can be life-altering, but it doesn't have to be life-ruining....
Join the FREE I Want to Trust You, But I Don't Online Bible Study with Lysa TerKeurst and learn practical & Biblical ways you can rebuild trust with God, yourself, and others. Plus, get access to 6 study videos and other Bible study resources - all free when you sign up!
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(1) Book - The companion book to the study! In Lysa’s signature style, you’ll learn practical and biblical ways to make real progress toward healthier perspectives, relationships, and a future you can authentically look forward to. The book builds on many of the themes in the study and is a helpful companion resource.
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STUDY GUIDE
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