Control.

It’s a big problem. And who knows: maybe you’re one of the ones who—knowingly or unknowingly—wants to control every possible situation, conversation or person in your life.

But when you try to control everything, everything starts to control you.

You get consumed with more and more details and worries that you think you need to master, and then those details and worries start to take over your life.

And that is slavery.
And stress.
And sleepless nights.
And mental chaos.

Proverbs 3:5-6 is one of the most famous in the Bible. It says: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

In it we are invited to fully trust in God, and to submit to him. It’s about giving control away.

As a result, “he will make your paths straight.” What that means is that even though you can’t (and shouldn’t) control every situation, conversation and person in your life, you will have God’s eternal peace and guidance throughout the journey. Plus, you will be moving forward on a path that is illuminated by the Lord himself.

When you try to control everything, everything starts to control you. And that is slavery.

Instead, trust in the Lord.

By Matthew Ruttan

—“Up!” is published 5 days a week (Monday to Friday) and returns on April 29th.
—Bible quotes are from the New International Version.
—Please note that, unfortunately, I can no longer read or reply to any email responses to this devotional. Sorry! With the growing readership I just can’t sift through all the replies and questions. But I hope the devotional continues to be a blessing to you. Enjoy!