“Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.” Proverbs 25:28 NIV

C is for Control

Control—to exercise restraint or direction over; dominate; command: to hold in check, curb

It’s official. I’m a control freak, or at least lately I am. (I’m sure my husband would say always). It’s difficult to admit but the events of late have had me feeling quite out of control. I haven’t understood what God is doing and why evil seems to be prevailing. Many tears have been shed for the losses that are coming—the loss of freedoms, the loss of sanity, the loss of more innocent life, and the lost. It is a daily struggle to reign it all in. So what am I able to control? What are you able to control?

  • Thoughts—“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.” 2 Corinthians 10:4-6 NKJV
  • Attitudes—“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 15:5-6 NIV
  • Tongue—“Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.” James 1:26 NIV
  • Actions—“If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load.” Galatians 6:3-5 NIV

Ultimately we can only control ourselves. We can’t control what other people do or don’t do. We can’t control what God does or doesn’t do. We must submit to His authority over the universe and trust His unfailing love.

Heavenly Father, thank You that You are big enough to control everything in our lives. Helps us to trust and rest in You. Amen.