The Struggle for Control
Do you struggle with control issues? Maybe you don’t consider yourself a controlling person.
I’ve been working with preschool children in summer camp. The children receive swimming lessons each day. One of the first things they learn is to float on their back. They need to trust their swim instructor. She asks them to look at her eyes and reassures them that she won’t leave them. She’s right there with them. Their job is to relax and listen to her instructions.
- Put your arms out.
- Uncross your legs.
- Lift your belly up.
- Rest your head back.
I watch as each child responds differently. Some struggle and get scared reaching for the teacher. Over time, they realize that if they relax and follow the instructions, they’re fine and can actually float.
Think about how similar this is with our struggle for control. We want to do things our way. Sometimes you may think you know what’s best for those you love but they won’t listen. Maybe you try to plan out everything. But what happens when unexpected circumstances occur that catch you by surprise?
I believe it all comes down to trust. Maybe people have let you down so it’s hard to trust. But God is different. He is trustworthy. He is Almighty God who knows the beginning and the end. He created you and me. And He knows what’s best for each one of us.
Matthew 11:28-30 contains such wisdom.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Wouldn’t it be a relief to rest in this promise?
Lord, help me to rest in you. I know there are times when I struggle but you know what’s best. Help me to remember that you are in control. I am tired of fighting for control. Please guide me in your way. Amen
Blessings and love,
Amen to that, Debbie. Yes, I do like to be in control of things, but God knows what is best for me. Thank you so much for the reminder of Matthew 11:28-30.
I love to write about things I continue to learn and need reminding of Iris.
Oh do I ever know this Deb! Constant struggle over here. And yet I wonder why when the Lord has proven to me over and over again how trustworthy He is. I need these little reminders for sure, so thanks for this!
Why or why can’t we just learn? I’m with you Deb.
“Be still, and know I am God;” Psalm 46:10 fits well with your theme Debbie – in all of life’s chaios learn to be still – and as you say Trust in GOD!
I love Psalm 46:10 Dave!
A very good reminder, Debbie. My Dad taught me to float and swim when I was a preschooler. I could have no better or more trustworthy teacher. Later I saw fellow students coming from places where there were no lakes no swimming pools. They first had to learn trust, and that wasn’t easy, being in an element and having a teacher they didn’t know.
Aren’t we blessed who have learned to trust our Saviour from childhood on? I so wish your children got to learn this too.
You were fortunate to have such a wise dad and teacher. It is all about trust.
I’ve been burning the candle at both ends for a long time trying to do it all. I just wrote a post on my thoughts on slowing down. I need to get back to what’s important. Blessings!
I have times like that too Barbie. That’s when I need to remind myself of the Scriptures from Matthew 11:28-30. I’ll be heading over to your blog to read your post.
Oh, the Lord has taught me so much about control in recent years. He does know best and can work all things together for our good,but, it’s sure hard to remember that at times.
Another beautiful post!!!
Yielding to God can be a difficult thing, can’t it? So often we make our plans to do this or that and ignore it when God is telling us do do something different. The struggle to still have our own way gets exhausting! But, when we finally give all to Him, there is a peace that settles on us that makes us realize that His way is the best way!
Blessings, Joan
Debbie, I guess The Lord has been speaking about control to several of us. It’ s one of the most difficult areas in my life to let go. I will be posting something on this soon, too.
This was a good analogy for this topic.
Blessings,
Janis
Great post.