“Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28, GNT

 

One of the things I struggle with a lot is letting go. I am a self-confessed control freak. I always want to know what is going on around me, I want to plan ahead and do most things myself. As a result, it is very difficult for me if I cannot plan or if I do not know what is going on. I want to be in control at all times.

 

Do you ever feel this way?

 

This is not exactly a quality that makes my life easier. Although, on the one hand, it can sometimes help me to worry less, on the other hand, ironically, it makes me worry even more – when you want to do everything yourself, you have more to worry about.

 

Yes, I know, it all actually sounds like an ambiguous riddle with a catch.

 

God’s word, however, reminds us that we cannot control everything. God encourages us to go to him and surrender. He wants us to let go. We must surrender everything to him – the things we worry about and the things we want to control, but simply can’t.

 

We read in Philippians 4:6-7 (GNT): “Don’t worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart. And God’s peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus.”

 

Sometimes, it is hard to let go, but sometimes it is necessary. We can’t control everything and we don’t have to. Sometimes, we just have to surrender to God. He knows what must happen – what a reassuring thought. It is also liberating, in a way, to remind myself that even if I want to, I can’t really control everything.

 

Is there anything in your life that you want to surrender to God today? Just do it and let go.

 

Prayer: Dear Lord, it is sometimes so hard to let go and trust you to make the right things happen. Help me to surrender to you, Almighty Father. Help me to remember that I can’t or don’t have to control everything. Please give me peace in my heart too. Amen