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Relinquishing control reminds us we're not truly in charge. Letting go of the need for our way allows space for God to have His way in us. Releasing control is just one of many small ways we make room for new growth.
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Emily
Lex
" … ‘Be still, and know that I am God; … ’" - Psalm 46:10 (NIV)
I like to be flexible and open-minded, and
I hope most people find that I’m easy and pleasant to be around. But ask me if
I’m particular, and that’s a different story.
I’m particular about how the dishwasher is
loaded because for me, the bowls fit best on the lower right rack.
I’m particular about the sleeves of the
T-shirts facing the same direction when folded because they stack better that
way.
I’m particular about eating my food while
it’s piping hot, and I get a little grouchy when I have to wait for my less
temperature-concerned family members to arrive at the dinner table.
I’m particular about practically every
aspect of my work that might reflect back onto me: graphics, emails, packaging
and branding.
I’m particular about how the kids look when
we go out, especially when we take family photos.
Being particular is normal. We all have our
preferences.
It’s when those personal particularities
become cemented in our minds as the only way to do things that they cross over
to the arena of control. Ouch, right?
Control is especially ugly when I
prioritize my own preferences over my care for others.
It’s what happens when I rearrange the
dishwasher, huffing under my breath about my son’s inability to do it
correctly.
It’s the urge to take over when my daughter
is not folding her clothes properly.
It's the overworked and overstressed result
of not asking for help or trusting another person to do what I mistakenly think
only I can do.
It’s not caring if my child’s sweater is
itchy or the pair of pants is uncomfortable because it is what I want you to
wear, and you will wear it.
My preferences are typically harmless, but
as they quietly accumulate, they can escalate.
Soon enough, I find myself being particular
about more than just the everyday things like punctuality and how the couch
pillows are arranged.
Instinctively, my eyes search and my hands
grasp for greater opportunities to express my way.
Control makes me feel powerful, and I like
that feeling.
It puts me and my great ideas in charge,
and I think me and my ideas are pretty great! It allows me to be responsible
for me, and that feels better than trusting.
But control can also cause me to hurt and
disregard others and make poor choices.
Control assumes I know best, but what God whispers (or sometimes hollers) is a knowing of a different kind.
Know what?
Know that I am God.
Oh yeah.
So, I humble myself, open my Bible and find
my rightful place once again.
Relinquishing control reminds us we're not
truly in charge. Letting go of the need for our way allows space for God to
have His way in us.
Releasing control is just one of many small
ways we make room for new growth.
Life with God is the very best partnership,
and it's one big, amazing lesson in collaborating, considering and giving up
control. This is what leads to real rest.
Lord, I come to You aware of my foolishness in thinking
I know best. I confess this tendency to control, and I open my hands in
surrender to You. Your way is always better. Remind me that You are here for me
and I am not on my own. Remind me to be still before You and know that You are
God. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
TRUTH
FOR TODAY
1 Chronicles 29:11,
“Yours, LORD, is the greatness and the
power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven
and earth is yours. Yours, LORD, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over
all.” (NIV)
RELATED
RESOURCES
If you are tired of searching for your
purpose, identity and satisfaction in places that never quite seem to deliver,
may you feel seen and find deep encouragement on the beautifully designed pages
of Emily Lex’s new book, Freely and Lightly: God’s Gracious Invitation to a
Life of Quiet Confidence. Read the first three chapters for free here today.
CONNECT
Visit with Emily at emilylex.com and on
Instagram.
REFLECT
AND RESPOND
In what area(s) of your life do you
recognize a constant desire to control? Take a moment to open up your hands on
the parts you hold tightly to, and as you do, may you be filled with peace as
you remember to be still and know that He is God.
Proverbs 31
Ministries
thanks Harvest House Publishers for their sponsorship of today’s devotion.
What
We Believe
If
your life feels too overwhelming, click here for our care and counseling
resources.
https://www.proverbs31.org/read/devotions/full-post/2021/02/10/do-you-know-whos-in-control
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