Another fear-induced behavior is the need to control other people, places and things.
I used to be a control freak until my life whirled out of control due to an addiction to drugs that ended up controlling every aspect of my life.
One of the main reasons I was attracted to drugs and alcohol is because they gave me a false sense of “control.” By getting high I was able to escape the things I was frustrated about not being able to control.
The need to control and be in control is a state of mind the enemy loves for us to live in. The constant need to control other people, places and things, steals our life of energy, serenity, peace and productivity. Whereas acceptance of people, places and things we have no control over, leads to peace, serenity, energy and a much more productive life.
I’ve lived on both sides of the “control” tracks.
“Let go and let God” is a great way to live if you want to experience peace no matter what the situation.
The following is Word when it comes to accepting life on life’s terms…
“And acceptance is the answer to all my problems today. When I am disturbed, it is because I find some person, place, thing or situation–some fact of my life–unacceptable to me, and I can find no serenity until I accept that person, place, thing, or situation as being exactly the way it is supposed to be at this moment….unless I accept life completely on life’s terms, I cannot be happy. I need to concentrate not so much on what needs to be changed in the world as on what needs to be changed in me and in my attitudes.” From The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, “Doctor, Alcoholic, Addict.” pg. 449, 3rd Edition.
Commit to controlling only what you are able to control–your spiritual state, attitude, treatment of others and your effort, and leave the rest in God’s hands…it’s a beautiful way to live.
James 4:1 (NIV), “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?”
Reflection:
What beliefs, thoughts and actions cause you to struggle with letting go and controlling only what you can control?
Additional Scripture to read and reflect upon: Romans 10:17, Hebrews 11:6, Mark 11:22-24
P.E.A.C.E.
Jay@EagleLaunch.com
