We human beings like to be in control. We often want to be the ones in the literal and metaphorical driver’s seats of our lives and experience acute anxiety in the moments when we begin to realize that we are not in control. Scripture teaches that there is a better way of living for followers of Christ than vying for control. You see, once we place our faith in Christ, the Spirit comes to help us live each day to honor God. If we want to live according to the Holy Spirit instead of our flesh, we have to give up control. We have to stop living as if we are in charge and let the Holy Spirit guide us.
We are reminded to stop trying to be the ones in control in Proverbs 3. The writer of this Proverb wrote this command: “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” (verses 5-6). There are three commands in this passage of Scripture that we need to pay attention to. The first instruction in this verse is “Trust in the Lord with all your heart.” Notice the word “all” in this passage of Scripture. This verse instructs us to trust God with everything, not part of our hearts, or even most of our hearts. Instead, we are to trust Him with our entire hearts. Why, He is the one truly in control, not us. The second instruction in this passage of Scripture is “do not depend on your own understanding” (verse 5). In other words, we are called to trust God’s plan instead of our own and to stop trying to take control of our lives. This is not easy, and it requires deep trust. As we take steps to trust Him over our own understanding, however, we find that He is trustworthy. His plans are good, and He always takes care of us. As a result, He is the one we want to be in control. The final instruction we are given in this verse is, “Seek His will in all you do” (verse 6). Instead of seeking our own will to try to gain a semblance of control, this verse instructs us to want what God wants instead. The promise we can claim is that if we stop trying to gain control and look to God instead, He will “show [us] which path to take” (verse 6). If we will trust Him and stop trying to take control of everything, He will lead us and guide us. This is the truth we must hang on to as we let go of control and trust God and His plan instead.
Your invitation today is waiting for you, friend. You can turn to God and trust Him with control of everything. Will you stop vying for control and turn to God instead? Will you trust Him with everything, through good times and through difficulties? If you do, He will direct you and guide you every step of the way.
What area of your life have you been holding on to control over? Is it your finances, relationships, your plans, or something else? Give that area over to the control of the Spirit today. Invite the Holy Spirit to guide you in that area, and commit to following the Spirit’s guidance as you go throughout your day.
My child, never forget the things I have taught you.
Store my commands in your heart.
2 If you do this, you will live many years,
and your life will be satisfying.
3 Never let loyalty and kindness leave you!
Tie them around your neck as a reminder.
Write them deep within your heart.
4 Then you will find favor with both God and people,
and you will earn a good reputation.
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding.
6 Seek his will in all you do,
and he will show you which path to take.
7 Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom.
Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
8 Then you will have healing for your body
and strength for your bones.
9 Honor the Lord with your wealth
and with the best part of everything you produce.
10 Then he will fill your barns with grain,
and your vats will overflow with good wine.
11 My child, don’t reject the Lord’s discipline,
and don’t be upset when he corrects you.
12 For the Lord corrects those he loves,
just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.
13 Joyful is the person who finds wisdom,
the one who gains understanding.
14 For wisdom is more profitable than silver,
and her wages are better than gold.
15 Wisdom is more precious than rubies;
nothing you desire can compare with her.
16 She offers you long life in her right hand,
and riches and honor in her left.
17 She will guide you down delightful paths;
all her ways are satisfying.
18 Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her;
happy are those who hold her tightly.
19 By wisdom the Lord founded the earth;
by understanding he created the heavens.
20 By his knowledge the deep fountains of the earth burst forth,
and the dew settles beneath the night sky.
21 My child, don’t lose sight of common sense and discernment.
Hang on to them,
22 for they will refresh your soul.
They are like jewels on a necklace.
23 They keep you safe on your way,
and your feet will not stumble.
24 You can go to bed without fear;
you will lie down and sleep soundly.
25 You need not be afraid of sudden disaster
or the destruction that comes upon the wicked,
26 for the Lord is your security.
He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap.
27 Do not withhold good from those who deserve it
when it’s in your power to help them.
28 If you can help your neighbor now, don’t say,
“Come back tomorrow, and then I’ll help you.”
29 Don’t plot harm against your neighbor,
for those who live nearby trust you.
30 Don’t pick a fight without reason,
when no one has done you harm.
31 Don’t envy violent people
or copy their ways.
32 Such wicked people are detestable to the Lord,
but he offers his friendship to the godly.
33 The Lord curses the house of the wicked,
but he blesses the home of the upright.
34 The Lord mocks the mockers
but is gracious to the humble.
35 The wise inherit honor,
but fools are put to shame!
