We like to believe that we are in full control of our lives. It gives us a false sense of security and reassurance about our future. But more often than not life reminds us that we are not really in control. It is true that God has given us areas of influence and responsibility and He wants us to do our part, but there are also a lot of other things we have no control over. Sooner or later we have to learn that the only way we can have peace of mind and not get worried sick to our stomach (been there!) is by actually surrendering our lives completely to God. As in trusting God to do what is best in all areas of our lives. So how do we let go of control and trust God completely?
1. Remember everything God has already done for you in the past
It is easier to trust God with our lives if we can look back and see all the good that God has already done in the past for us. Think back to what you have been praying about or hoping for a year or a few years ago. How has God worked that out? Chances are, if you are a child of God, then He has worked out even your deepest pain and struggles for good or He is still working it out.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
NIV, Romans 8:28
It’s a good idea to keep a journal of how God has answered your prayers in the past and how He has used the pain and the struggles to bring something good out of it.
2. Think of all the ways God is good to you right now
You may be going through a lot right now, but there probably still is something good in your life. If nothing else, just the fact that you are alive, breathing, and have access to the Bible and online sermons! Christians in some countries don’t have access to Christian resources on the web; they don’t even have access to a lot of social media and other websites we take for granted!
God is also merciful. God is patient. God is kind. God is ______________.
3. Give it all to God
Now that you have hopefully seen that God has been good to you in the past and He is good in the present, it’s time to give it all to God.
Think of all the areas of your life: spiritual life, family, friends, health, work, finances, ministry, etc. Which areas of your life do you need to surrender to God?
Remember that we are only responsible for the things entrusted to us. The rest we cannot control, and we have to give to God. We are not meant to live under constant stress. The only way to have true peace is by actually taking all our worries and releasing them to God.
Pray a prayer releasing all of your worries to God and trusting Him with the outcome.
4. Re-give it all to God as often as needed
Some worries may be harder to shake than others. Sometimes we may need to surrender things to God on a daily basis and remind ourselves that God knows best and He is good and whatever He decides to do will ultimately be for the best, even if we don’t understand it at the moment. We can still pray for the outcome we would like to have, but we also should release it to God and decide to be okay with whatever He chooses to do in His wisdom.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
NIV, Philippians 4:6
When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
NIV, Psalm 56:3
