The Illusion of Control.

From as far back as I can remember, I always thought I could control things. When I realized I couldn’t, I struggled. I would have called myself a “control freak.” I felt more powerful when I could manipulate a situation in some way, shape, or form. I’m not sure how this started, but it began in childhood.

As I grew older, I realized how much it affected me when things didn’t go my way, people didn’t do what I thought they should, or circumstances didn’t play out as I expected. I carried a lot of hurt for a long time, thinking, “This is my fault, “This is happening because of me,” or, “This person is doing this because of me.” I carried a weight that I was not strong enough to bear.

It wasn’t until recently that I realized it was never meant for me to carry. None of it was meant for me to control. God didn’t design us to operate this way. This is why we experience so much hurt and disappointment—we operate in a lane that wasn’t designed for us. I often have to ask myself: Where and in whom is your trust?

The Bible teaches us the importance of trusting God and surrendering control to Him. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight." This verse encourages us to rely on God's wisdom and guidance, trusting that He will lead us in the right direction when we surrender control to Him. Letting go of control and allowing God to take the lead requires faith and a willingness to submit our plans to His will. It reminds us that God's ways are higher than our ways, and His plans are always good. There is so much peace in laying it all in God’s hands—the Creator, the all-knowing God!

Trying to win and fight battles never meant for us to carry is futile. There is so much power in letting go and trusting God to fight the battle. It is such a relief to know that God is fighting battles for you and that God is in control. Carrying it all without God is literally a dead end; it leads to nothing good.

Psalm 55:22 says, "Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken." So today, I encourage you and myself to surrender all to God, withholding nothing. Let Him take the seat and carry it, whatever it may be. Take it to God in full confidence, faith, and prayer, knowing He has a plan and will handle it! He’s proven Himself more times than we can count.

✨ Prayer of Surrender ✨

Dear Heavenly Father, help us surrender our need for control and fully trust in You. Teach us to cast our burdens on You and find peace in Your perfect plan. May we always remember that Your ways are higher than ours, and Your plans are always for our good. In Jesus’ name, Amen.