Friday, May 14, 2010

Stepping Stones: Control ≠ Security

Transformational Tip

Most people feel more secure when they are in control. A trip down a steep mountain road doesn’t feel as dangerous to us when we ‘re the ones with our hands on the steering wheel. The passengers with us will be more anxious or fearful.

Having control over our circumstances is very important to most of us…it allows us to feel more secure, competent, and confident. But we can't always be in control…actually we have a lot less control than we think. When facing circumstances beyond our control, we may feel helpless, anxious, angry, or overwhelmed, and experience panic or depression.

In today's world, a sense of safety and security may be difficult to find. The good news is that there is one way we can always be secure.

God provides a way for us to always experience a sense of security. He leaves it up to us…we can either continue depending on ourselves, panicking or losing hope when we can't control a situation…or we can depend on the Lord. If we choose Jesus and His way for our lives, we can always be secure in His love. We will still experience problems and trials on this earth, but we will begin to view them from an eternal perspective. When we turn control over to Jesus, we can know that no matter what challenges or trials we face, He will ultimately work them out for our good.

Today, whose hands have control of your steering wheel? Are you still trying to control every detail of your life? Do you experience frustration, fear or even anger when you can't control what is happening to you? Turn everything over to God. You can trust Him. He is way more equipped to handle life than you are.

Click here to share your perspective about who’s driving your life.

Prayer
Dear Father God, it seems that every time I turn a situation over to You, I hang on to some little part of it and pull it away from You again. I want to be in control, and yet I know that doesn't always work out. Please forgive me for not trusting You with every area of my life. Help me to trust You more and to leave the control of my life in Your hands. Help me to rest securely in Your love. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One You sent to teach me how to trust, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!

The Truth
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.
Proverbs 3:5-6

In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will,
Ephesians 1:11