From a young age, I have struggled with the fear of not being in control. I think the seed of this fear was planted in my heart when my parents divorced. Seeing what my mom went through as a single woman created in me a desire to want to control my life so I would never be dependent on anyone else. If I wasn’t dependent on anyone else, in my naive thinking, I wouldn’t be vulnerable and, therefore, I wouldn’t get hurt.
This fear of not being in control has stayed with me in every stage of my life. From which college to attend, to whom to marry, what job to take, and how to raise my children. The fear of not being in control can be crippling at times as I think about what type of world my children are inheriting. A world of school shootings, terrorism, suicide, drugs, divisions, chaos, illness, discord, lawlessness, and the demise of truth.
So much in life is out of our control. It’s enough to bring us to our knees.
Which is exactly where we need to go: to our knees in prayer.
Reading Luke 12:22, Jesus, in His love, reminds us that worrying is not the answer. We are not to worry about every day matters like what to eat or what to wear. He pointed to His creation to not only tell us not to worry but to help us to see His love in action. Don’t worry. Why? Because God cares for even the ravens. He clothes them and feeds them. You are much more important and more valuable to God than a raven. If He does that for them, think of how He provides for you in your life!
I’ll be honest with you and say I am not 100% free from my fear of not being in control, but I have learned a few nuggets of wisdom over the years that I’d love to share with you. These nuggets of truth have helped me win more battles of fear over the years, and I pray they do the same for you.
1. Surrender: We are not God.
2. Prayer: Pray instead of worry.
3. Claim God’s truth: God’s Word is powerful and active!
4. Put God’s truth into action: Don’t just read it, live His truth and put it into practice in your life!
5. Trust God: He is good, He loves you, He’s got your back, and He will never leave you.
6. Recognize His kingdom over ours: Our lives are not about us, our little kingdoms, or our glory.
7. Increase our faith, not our worries: Feed what you want to grow!
8. Know the difference between needs and desires: God does not say He will give us all our desires, but He will provide for all our needs. Trust Him with this promise.
Focus on this truth today: Do not be anxious about your life. Instead of worrying, choose to trust, even if you don’t understand what God is doing.
And remember, this world is not our home, we have heaven to look forward to!
Love God Greatly!