Perhaps people in general, love to feel as though they’re in control, able to influence outcomes by the actions they take. And to a degree, that’s true. But when things don’t go our way, many times we refuse to accept the outcome. Instead, we fight for our idea of how things should be, regardless of what (or whom) it will cost us. This certainly isn’t a peaceful approach to life.
True peace comes only when we trust God and recognize how little control we actually have—not only over difficult circumstances, but over good ones, too. The genuine peace we long for comes through submission. Think of Jesus praying just hours before He was arrested, knowing what would befall Him and how He would be betrayed. In His grief, the Lord prayed for something different to happen. But then He said to the Father, “Not my will, but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42). Let this be our attitude as well, as we remember the only way to be truly free is to trust God’s perfect and loving will.
Think about it
Are there any areas of your life that you’re trying to control? Offer them to God, praying, “Father, not my will, but Yours be done” each time they come to mind.