Give Up Control

Author: Ayodeji Oludapo

Date: November 8, 2024

Scripture: "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." — Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

Devotional Thoughts

Have you ever noticed how much we like to be in control? From planning our schedules down to the smallest details to choosing every path we take, it’s part of our human nature. We want certainty, predictability, and assurance that things will turn out the way we expect. But there’s something we all experience eventually—life doesn’t always obey our plans.

Control is an illusion that we often cling to, believing it will give us peace. We think, If only I can manage everything, everything will be alright. But the truth is, the more we hold onto control, the more we feel anxious and burdened. When things don’t go according to our plan, we often feel frustrated or even lost.

God never asked us to carry that burden. In fact, He calls us to do the opposite—to trust Him with all our heart and not to rely on our own understanding. When we surrender control to God, we find a peace that is not based on our circumstances but on His presence. He sees the bigger picture that we can’t. He knows what lies ahead, and He has a better plan than we could imagine. When we trust Him with our lives, we allow Him to lead us to places that are far greater than what we could ever have envisioned on our own.

The story of Abraham comes to mind. God called Abraham to leave his country, his people, and his father’s household to go to a land God would show him. Abraham had no clear map or timeline—only a promise from God. Abraham gave up his control and trusted God, and because of that, he became the father of many nations. Imagine if Abraham had insisted on staying where he felt safe and in control. He would have missed out on the blessings God had in store.

Practical Reflections

Think about a situation in your life where you’ve been trying to stay in control. Maybe it’s your career, your relationships, your health, or your future. How has clinging to control affected you? Has it made you feel more at peace, or has it only increased your stress?

Today, take a moment to open your hands in a symbolic gesture and say, God, I give You control of this area of my life. Trust that He is able to do far more abundantly than anything you could ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20). God is not asking you to figure everything out—He’s asking you to trust Him and let go. Surrender is not weakness; it’s an act of faith that God can handle what you cannot.

Closing Thoughts

True peace comes not from having all the answers but from trusting the One who does. God’s invitation to us is not to carry the weight of our lives on our own shoulders but to rest in His love and guidance. When we learn to give Him control, we no longer have to live in constant worry or fear. Instead, we can walk in confidence, knowing He has us in His hands.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I acknowledge that I have tried to control too much in my life. Today, I choose to give You control of every part of me. I surrender my worries, my plans, and my future into Your loving hands. Help me to trust You deeply, even when I don’t understand. Remind me that You are always faithful and that Your plans for me are good. Teach me to rest in Your presence and trust in Your unfailing love. In Jesus' name, Amen.