I used to think that there were control freaks, and then there were free spirits. And, in a sense, there are.
I’m not one to always have to be behind the steering wheel (I actually prefer being the passenger princess, that way I can freely DJ), and I’m pretty chill about which way the toilet paper goes (should be down, but if you’re an up type person just go for it!) and where to put the eggs in the fridge (I have no literally no system, they’re in a different place every week).
But, I have a confession: when it comes to my life . . . yes. I’m a control freak.
And we all are! Here’s the thing. We all WANT things. We all WANT to know what’s coming around the bend. We want to feel like we have a grip on our lives, and everything is smooth. If things don’t happen the way we foresaw, or if we feel like nothing is certain or secure, that’s when the control freak comes in.
When it comes to our lives, we’re all control freaks.
1.God’s plans are priority over our plans.
Proverbs 16:9 says that, “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”
I’m not saying to let everything in your life go, find yourself a chair on the beach, and just lay there repeating “Let go and let God!” We do have a responsibility to steward our talents and time. But the bigger picture is planning with open hands.
Set time in your life (perhaps every quarter) to take a personal inventory.
- How much time am I spending in the Word?
- How am I involved at church?
- What is taking up the most time in my life right now?
- Is it time to course-correct (via open/closed doors), or is God keeping my path straight for now?
- Have I been repenting of sin and keeping a clean account with God?
I thought I would spend the rest of my life in South Carolina. But, when God so clearly called me to move to LA, I let go of my plans for morning coffee with mom and weekend runs on the local trail. And that was NOT easy!!
2. God’s plans are far greater than our plans.
1 Corinthians 2:9 (quoting the Old Testament) says, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him.”
I remember asking my mom what her life verse was, and she pointed this verse out to me. I’d never heard this verse before! The poetic beauty of this promise really hit me, and this verse has constantly come to mind ever since. It reads like a love letter.
So amazing are God’s plans for us, that we can’t even make it up. As a writer, I compare this to when I have writer’s block about what scene should come next. Sometimes, coming up with the next thing seems near impossible. But God has NEVER once “had writer’s block.” He weaves everything together perfectly.
In Psalm 77:11, the Psalmist says, “I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds. Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God?”
Then, the Psalmist goes on to list what God has done for his people. If you’re ever feeling scared about the future, remind yourself of what God has done in your life and the lives of the people around you. Ask a friend or mentor to remind you of a time they saw God’s hand in their life.
3. God’s plans are more growing than our plans.
Philippians 1:6 promises: “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”
God’s purpose for our lives is not to make us comfortable. It’s to conform us into the image of Christ. And, dare I say it, this most often happens in very uncomfortable places. I’ve grown so much since I turned 16, and looking back, each growth spurt I had since then was spearheaded by an icky gunky awful no fun circumstance.
These circumstances reveal the idols in my heart. They reveal how much of a control freak I tend to be. It reminds me how sinful I am, and it’s not a good feeling. BUT Philippians 1:6 comes to mind and I cling to that promise with everything I have: “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion.” One day I will stand in front of God, and say “Look, this is [my] God; [I] have waited for him, and he has saved [me], Let’s rejoice and be glad in his salvation” (Isaiah 25:9).
