100 Days with Jesus -- Self Control Versus Always Being in Control

Day 52
Sometimes I get really stressed out when I have so much to do and everything is under the demand of a deadline. I get that anxious feeling in my stomach and wake up all during the night remembering things that need attention. It’s not fun and I don’t like it when I get this anxious. I told my friend Martha this morning, that I considered it a talent to always remain calm and in control. Not too many highs and very few lows, just always steady and IN CONTROL. Good grief! Is there a greater arrogance than to think you’re in control of everything?

It has occurred to me that the only control that is expected of me is self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7 says: For God did not give us a spirit of timidity but one of power, love, and self-discipline. Proverbs 29:11 says: A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control. There are many more references in scripture to the benefits of self-control and also that it is a gift from God and that help to improve our self-control is readily available. But I didn’t find a single verse that said I needed to be in control of anything or anyone, other than myself. Now, this is not to be confused with responsibility. That’s another subject. Being responsible is also a strong and important character trait that the Lord loves. But what a relief it is and a burden lifted, to know that I have no need to feel that I have control over everything. Thank you Lord for shouldering for all of us!