Releasing Control

The Lord has been pressing this idea of ownership on my heart the past few days and I’d like to share it with you. He revealed to me areas of my life that I was trying to control; I was unknowingly trying to control and manage things in my own strength and in my own power instead of fully yielding to Him.

I’m learning that as you pursue this narrow path, you go through a process of continuous surrender. You desire to put yourself in position to receive more of Him, which requires you to let go of what is not of Him. You’re on this road of desiring more of Him and less of you. In allowing His Spirit to lead you and willingly crucifying your wants, fears, expectations and desires, you’re giving Him full reign over your life; this is what it means to make Him Lord and Savior. It’s in the yielding to Him, that you make Him your focal point. When you fix your eyes on the things of the Spirit and on His Kingdom, your heart and your mind are transformed.

His refining fire has this quality of consuming everything it touches. However, much to our benefit, our God is merciful and He is patient. When we ask Him to remove from us that which does not serve, He lovingly heals us. He patches up our wounds and fills the vacant places within us with the fruits of His Spirit. He restores us and transforms us to reflect His likeness. His yoke is easy and His burden is light. He will hold you through it all.

He wants to be the Lord of your life. He wants to be your Father and your Provider.

During my personal journal time with Him the other day He said, “You are my child- first and foremost.” We can get so caught up in what we’re trying to build and in the legacy that we leave that we forget first and foremost, we were created for RELATIONSHIP. We were created to be in communion with Him; that was our original purpose in the Garden. We are His children, first.

We’ve been so conditioned by Western society to be hyper-independent, to be self-sufficient and focus on what we’re able to produce. We quantify our worth via productivity and we emphasize DOING rather than BEING. Relationship with God isn’t centered around what you do. Although praying, journaling, and caring for your temple is a very large part of the walk, relationship with God is centered in COMMUNION. When you can’t seem to find the motivation to sit and read scripture, or to say your prayers, or to listen to a sermon--when all else fails what is the next most powerful thing you can do?

Get on your knees and just rest in His presence.

God loves you. Not because of how productive or obedient you are but because you are His child. You are His. He is the keeper of your soul. In Him, your spirit finds rest. Give Him all of you: everything you’ve been gripping onto, everything you’ve been trying to control, and just let go. Lean back. Let Him guide you. Let Him take the steering wheel and give yourself the opportunity to just be.

He wants to show up in ways that you never even thought possible. He wants to carry you through your storms and teach you to move mountains, but you first must be willing to let go: you must relinquish your control.

Letting go looks like saying, Lord this is your house, I’m just living in it. I can’t build the house you want me to build all on my own, I need your help. I need your wisdom and your guidance. I need your blueprint, Father, so that all my needs are met; because I know you’ve got everything covered. I know that you are Jehovah Jireh, you are our Provider. You are my Father and you will take care of everything. All I need to do is trust you and be your child.

I must humble myself. I must cast aside my ego. I must step in faith and believe that if I fall you will be there to catch me. Show me how to show up in what already belongs to you, Lord. I release my need to control. I release any desires that come against your pure will for my life and I come into agreement with your plans and purposes for me. I release any expectations that I may have because I know that what you’re ushering into my life and the masterpiece that we are building together will be greater than anything I could possibly imagine. God, you are a God of miracles! Lord, you created the Heavens and the Earth, you are a master creator: I give you full reign, I trust you with my life, please create in me an absolute masterpiece. Mold me to your likeness like a potter does to clay. Renew my mind and soften my heart. Fill me with the fruits of your Spirit. Make me a new creation. Everyday, teach me how to fulfill the calling of my life, illuminate my steps and grant me your perfect wisdom. You are my Teacher. You are my King. I release my control. I place my trust in you. I ground myself in your perfect love and offer myself as a sacrifice, as a blank canvas for you to display your glory. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Romans 8:14 (NET)

“For all who are led by the Spirit of God are the sons of God.”

Matthew 18:3 (NET)

“At that time the disciples came to Jesus saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a child, had him stand among them, and said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn around and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven! Whoever then humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”

Phil 4:19 (NET)

“And my God will supply your every need according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”

Matthew 6:33 (NET)

“But above all pursue his kingdom and righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”