What do you control? I mean real control. Like whatever you decide happens just like you want.

Let’s see. You don’t have control over the economy…unless you’re the Fed Chairman or the President, but even then I think it’s pretty clear they don’t control much either.

You don’t control other drivers. They can drive too slow or too fast. They can pull out in front of you or cut you off. They can fail to let you merge. And you can’t do anything about any of it, other than get frustrated.

You don’t control your spouse, your children or your friends. You can ask nicely or you can scream a lot. You can demand or subtly manipulate. But you can’t be in control.

You don’t control your 9-year-old beagle who pees on the carpet right in front of you.

You don’t control your boss, your co-workers or those who report to you. They’ll do what they want. Sure, you could fire someone who doesn’t do their job, but you’ll just have to hire someone else you don’t control either.

You don’t control God. And this may be the most frustrating thing of all. You can obey Him. You can pray to Him. You can claim His promises. You can yell at Him and demand He do what you think He should. But you don’t get to control Him. Sorry “health and wealth, name it and claim it” people.

So do you control anything? Anything at all?

Yes, you can control you. That’s it. Granted, even that’s pretty tough. Read Romans 7:17-24 if you disagree.

Is your spouse failing to meet your needs?

Is your boss frustrating you?

Are your kids not obeying?

Does it seem like God isn’t cooperating with your plans?

You can choose to get angry because someone is blocking your goal. You can choose to get discouraged and eventually give up. Or you can choose to submit to God and trust Him.

He’s in control of the other person. He’s sovereign over your circumstances. He knows what He’s doing. He can be trusted.

There’s great freedom in giving up control (that you don’t actually have in the first place) and trusting the One who is infinitely good and loving and all-powerful.

What alternative do you really have?