The Peace of Not Being in Charge
“How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. What you ought to say is, ‘If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that’” (James 4:14-15, NLT).
Recently, I had the opportunity to visit the command center aboard a ship. Toward the end of the tour, the captain asked if I would like to sit in his seat. As I sat down, I couldn’t help but be amazed at all the skill and expertise necessary to safely run this vessel.
My friends took several pictures of me looking like I was in control. But it was an illusion. I didn’t have the knowledge or the experience to do anything helpful unless the captain instructed me.
Can you imagine if I’d asked the captain, who was fully capable and fully equipped, to entrust his ship to my fully incapable hands? I can verify, without hesitation, that me being in control of that ship would have been a risk no one wanted to take. It may have felt good to sit at the controls for a few minutes, but if I wanted to return home safely, I had to trust the captain.
In life, there are dangers only the ultimate Captain can handle.
Trying to carry the weight of holding everything and everybody together is a role God never called us to play. And it’s taking a great toll on our peace.
Now, I want to slow down for a minute and acknowledge how tough it is to release control — because honestly, our motivation isn’t just that we want to be in charge but that we want to be safe.
Sometimes I catch myself mentally running into the future, fearing impending doom, and then trying to make choices today to steer clear of trouble. Sometimes this is wise. But while it’s good to plan for the future, we don’t want to obsess over the future. We can control our choices today, but we cannot fully control the outcomes of tomorrow.
I don’t like that last sentence any more than you do. But there’s a peace that comes from not actually being in charge.
As I’ve been on a journey of releasing what was never mine to carry, I’m learning how to acknowledge what may or may not happen in the future while choosing to live in today.
This is what I can control: making wise choices right now, knowing God is a good Captain.
This is what I can’t control: all that happens in the tomorrows to come. I’m reminded of this truth in James 4:14-15: “How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. What you ought to say is, ‘If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.’”
The only way I have found to stop myself from reaching for control is to recognize when I’m getting controlling. And in that moment of realization, I need to pause and begin surrendering to God what I can’t change:
These prayers are my way of acknowledging that God leads and I follow. Now, please note that I used the word “surrendering,” which indicates I’m still in the process of doing this. I have in no way perfected this — but I am willing to practice it, and I hope you’ll join me.
God already knows how flawed our efforts will be, but any time we keep our hearts bent toward Him rather than pull away, that’s good progress.
Heavenly Father, You know how I wrestle with whether to trust You or take control. I need Your guidance as I seek to surrender it all to You. I want to trade in the powerlessness of trying to control outcomes and people and gain the strength of surrender to You. I want to release my fears and replace them with a peaceful trust in You. I can’t do this without You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
OUR FAVORITE THINGS
Sometimes, surrender can feel like we’re giving up. But what if it’s actually what we need to do in order to move forward and find healing? In her new book, Making Peace with What I Can’t Control, Lysa TerKeurst gently reminds us that peace doesn’t come from having all the answers or fixing every situation. It comes from staying close to the Lord in the middle of the unknown. If you’re weary from trying to hold everything together, this book offers biblical wisdom, practical tools, and the reassurance that God can bear the weight of all that you’ve been carrying. When you preorder your copy today, you’ll receive a personal audio prayer from Lysa, printable Scripture cards for anxious moments, the first three chapters of the book, and more! Don’t delay … This offer expires in just a few days. Preorder here!
ENGAGE
Find everyday encouragement when you connect with Lysa TerKeurst here on Instagram.
FOR DEEPER STUDY
Proverbs 16:1-3, “To humans belong the plans of the heart, but from the LORD comes the proper answer of the tongue. All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the LORD. Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans” (NIV).
Reflecting on today’s devotion, what are some things you can control and some you can’t? We’d love to have you join the discussion in the comments.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org
