Over Being a Control Freak Yet?
GOD'S LOVE LANGUAGE
“Anything under God’s control is never out of control.” ~Anonymous
Sometimes, the greatest revelations are revealed in obscure places. Take Job as he sits blistered and depressed amongst his "so-called" friends. In the midst of provoking Job to repent for sins he never committed, I found immersed in Job 5 where Eliphaz the Temonite encapsulates how a change in perspective can open the door to releasing control:
“But if I were you, I would appeal to God; I would lay my cause before him. He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted. He provides rain for the earth; he sends water on the countryside. The lowly he sets on high, and those who mourn are lifted to safety. He thwarts the plans of the crafty, so that their hands achieve no success. He catches the wise in their craftiness, and the schemes of the wily are swept away. Darkness comes upon them in the daytime; at noon they grope as in the night. He saves the needy from the sword in their mouth; he saves them from the clutches of the powerful. So the poor have hope, and injustice shuts its mouth.
~Job 5:8-16, New International Version
This passage was so good, I almost forgot how wrong he was about Job.
But he was right about God.
This felt like the perfect next step after our conversation last week about using our need to be needed as a platform for procrastination.
We do not need to be needed. We need God. in other words, it's not about you.
You don't have to fix everything and everybody, remember? Giving God his due in praiseful prayer creates a paradigm shift from trying to be all things to all people to wanting to be a champion for Christ.
Control What Matters
Look at the text...
He performs.
He provides.
He sets on high.
He thwarts the plans of the crafty so you don't have to.
He saves.
He saves.
He saves so the poor have hope, and injustice shuts its mouth.
He. He. He.
Not me. Not you.
He.
A heart full of praise has little time to be perfect.
Being intentional in our praise of the Most High God creates a spiritual transition and transformation that keeps things in right perspective.
Our human. His divine.
Are you captivated by the God who loves you? Are you in love with his son who died for you?
When was the last time you sat in absolute awe of your Savior?
Want to control something? Control your praise.
“The more we understand God’s sovereignty, the more our prayers will be filled with thanksgiving.” – R.C. Sproul.
Maybe it is time to have a new revelation in an obscure place. The next time you find yourself taking on more than you can handle, fill your headspace and heart with praise. Be reckless in your adoration and affirmation for the God who absolutely adores you.
Praise. It is yours to control. Give Heaven everything else.
Your plans.
Your bills.
Your pain.
Your addictions.
Your cravings.
Your gifts.
Your love.
Give Jesus your best. Give him you.
Next week: How to Pray for Your Ex (You don't want to miss this!) See you next week!
