LET GO AND LISTEN AT HIS FEET
Kimberly Lawrence
Today's Scripture: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” Proverbs 3:5-6, NLT
Theme: Instead of trying to control all the details, which is both unrealistic and anxiety inducing, trust God.
CONTROL FREAK
Admittedly, that’s me. I’ve been described as an “old soul” most of my life because planning and responsibility are inherent personality traits for me. I am a first-born and a people-pleaser. If I want something done right (and immediately), I’ll just do it myself, often with little complaining. I’m not a martyr; I just like things done a certain way…my way...and I don’t mind investing the time and effort for the outcome I want. I’ve considered my dependability a favorable personality trait in my family, work, and friendships. I like to “get stuff done” and find personal satisfaction in being organized and efficient. How can that possibly be bad?
AND YET...
As a confessed control freak, there is a giant, inherent problem with this quality that we think always leads to success in so many other areas of life. It’s TRUST. Try as I might, it’s very difficult to relinquish control of anything. I want to trust you to do what you say, but I’d rather do it myself so, I’m sure. I want to alleviate some of the burdens of my life, to let you help me, but I worry something will be overlooked. I try to give you space and latitude to be creative and spontaneous, but I just can’t help myself: I end up micro-managing.
Because of his history, and the fear it created in him, the hero in “Top Gun: Maverick” is consumed by control. He insists on “his way,” yet challenges rules and authority. His skill, experience, and expertise create an arrogance in him. He is confident that he can control all outcomes, and he tries to extend this control to his relationships with others. Fear too often also makes us worry unnecessarily or work tirelessly trying to control our own fate.
Today’s verse (Proverbs 3:5-6) speaks of trusting the Lord and not leaning on our own understanding. I like to think I internalize this but there is significant evidence in my life to the contrary! When I incessantly worry about my children, I demonstrate a lack of trust in God’s protection. When I fret over finances, I am doubting God’s provision. When I continue to feel unworthy or unforgivable, I lack faith in God’s unconditional love and the sacrifice of His Son for me. Surrendering to God doesn’t mean you don’t care about the outcome; it means you wholly trust Him.
MARTHA, MARTHA
One of the most notable control freaks in the Bible is Martha. She is so often criticized, but I find myself sympathizing with poor Martha each time I read the story in Luke 10. It seems so obvious that Mary, Martha’s sister, got it right. She sat at the feet of Jesus rather than busying herself with trivial matters. But Martha spent her time on the logistics of the hospitality needed that day. Who would miss the opportunity to be in the presence of the Son of God and hear His teaching, just to cook and clean?
Sadly, I can see the resemblance of these seemingly poor decisions in my own life. To make everything “just perfect” throughout the day, who did I miss truly connecting with? Yes, Mary was a star pupil. She got it right the first time. But these women were cherished friends of Jesus and there is a lot to learn from both of them. Jesus doesn’t cast Martha out because she was distracted with her deeds of service. He lovingly redirects her attention by calling her name: “Martha, Martha.” He tells her she is worried and troubled about many things, but only one thing is needed. And, that one thing can never be taken away. The duties and details of life will never go away entirely. After all, there is a lot to do! But we can learn to be like both Mary and Martha. We can sit (pray, reflect, worship, read our Bible) and to serve (tend to our families, communities, and jobs). God will abundantly provide, just as He always has, even when we relinquish control of every minute detail. Surrender is a demonstration of faith.
Make It Personal: There are new demands and distractions upon us each day. When we are overwhelmed, we can choose to scurry around, trying to control the chaos, or we can simply whisper, “God, hear my prayer.” I’m confident an all knowing and omnipotent God can discern where my own words fail. There is a time for serving, but a more important time to sit at the feet of Jesus.
Pray: God, help me to trust You. Where my faith in You is weak, reveal it to me. Show me how to trust You more and show me the ways in which my controlling behavior needs to change. I know Your ways are far superior to mine and want You to have Your way in every detail of my life. Forgive me when I’ve been too busy to learn from You, Teacher. You are my single priority and I ask You to help my life reflect that. Amen.
Read: Luke 10:38-42; Philippians 4:6-7; Psalm 94:19
Weekly Memory Verse:
“Commit everything you do to the Lord.
Trust him, and he will help you.” Psalm 37:5, NLT