Hope For When You Feel Like You’re Losing Control

Am I the only one who feels like I’m losing control these days?

Because this season has proven there isn’t much I can control. I can’t control the weather, otherwise I would have stopped the August Iowa derecho. I can’t control this pandemic, otherwise it would have ended last March. Nor can I control the actions of others, the thoughts of others, the behavior of others. (I can’t say I haven’t wished this, however.) Some days I even have difficulty controlling myself, my thoughts, my attitudes, and my words.

For example, I snapped at my husband the other day. He was just trying to be his helpful self, and for whatever reason, my response to him was like a slap to his face. Seriously, Julie! I had already lost control that day.

If you feel like you’re losing control lately, friend, you are not alone.

So, what do we do? What hope do we have when we feel this way?

What hope do we have when we feel like we’re losing control?

The only answer I have is the hope I find when I begin to feel this way. I come face to face with the reality I’m NOT the one in control. I’m really NOT the one in charge here. No matter what the circumstance.

Because I’ve learned the hard way I was never meant to be in control. I’m not supposed to carry the weight of the world on my shoulders. I was never given the task or the responsibility to be in control. Speaking from experience, when I put myself in that position, I become stressed, I feel overwhelming pressure to perform, I can’t sleep, I binge on sugary foods, and I become an unkind, on-edge person.

I wasn’t designed to be the one in control.

So, why do I continue to put myself there?

Good question. Maybe some day I’ll get it figured out. But for now, I remind myself Someone is more qualified, more powerful, more capable of being in control. Someone Who created the universe and formed me in my mother’s womb. Someone Who always has been and always will be. And, Someone Who forever has in mind what’s best for me.

All that is great and powerful and glorious and victorious and majestic is Yours, O Eternal One. Indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth belongs to You. The kingdom belongs to You, O Eternal One, and You are the head of it all. Wealth and glory come from You, and You rule over them all. In Your hand is power and strength, and You use them to make great and strengthen everyone.

1 Chronicles 29:11-12 VOICE

Yes, God is the One in control.

Thankfully, friend, you and I don’t have to be. We aren’t losing control, because the control was never ours to begin with.

So, we can lift this heavy burden off of us. We can go about our day without the stress and strain of trying to stay in control. You and I can live today in the freedom of letting go, and letting God remain in control of all things. Doesn’t that freedom feel much better??

You and I can trust Him Who never loses control.

Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track.

Proverbs 3:5-6 MSG

I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.

Jeremiah 29:11 MSG

So, if we are feeling like we’re losing control, maybe that’s a good thing. You and I can let it go and live a more free, peace-filled, stress-free life. Sounds great, doesn’t it?

What’s one step you can take in letting go of control today? My one step is to pray for God to help me rest in His sovereignty, His complete control.

Would you pray with me?

Father God, You are sovereign and in control of all things. You hold everything in the palm of Your hand. Including us. Thank You for being in control, so we don’t have to be. Father, help us to trust You in all things. Help us to stop striving and feeling we need to be in control, when actually, that’s Your job. Help us to let go and to let you be in charge. Free us from this burden, Lord. Remind us of your loving care and presence. Help us to rest in Your sovereignty. Thank You, Father. We love You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Much love to you today!

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