I am fascinated by the paradox of control. Some of us want to dictate every single detail of our lives. Some of us want to just go with the flow, and not make any real decisions. And none of us think that either way of life is great. For those who have the need to dictate every single detail, surrendering any amount of control gives them great anxiety and fills them with worry. For those who want to go with the flow, having to make a decision paralyzes them with angst and fear. So what is the right balance? This might be the issue at the core of many struggles in our lives. Finding the right balance, where we have self-control to live moral and righteous lives, but being able to roll with the punches that this world will throw at us, finding that sweet spot is key to our hope of contentment.
The irony of this topic is that our need for control might be the single reason we cannot find this pivotal balance. Those that need to control, look internally for the answer. They know that if they just work a little harder here, or tighten down a little more there – they will find the right balance. They are in control of the levers and pulleys, they’ll get it right eventually. Meanwhile, those that exclusively go with the flow just let the universe take over. Whatever happens will happen. They think that their decisions or actions have little to no impact so they don’t even look for an answer to the balance problem. The answer will happen to them if it is supposed to.
I believe, however, that the key to finding the right balance of control and surrender is found in the worlds greatest and oldest guidebook. When we truly start to believe and our minds are opened to understanding the Scriptures (Luke 24:45), only then do we begin to truly comprehend the balance between control and surrender; between self and Spirit. We have the gift of free will, so there is a Biblical expectation for us to take some control. Finding the right balance begins with controlling our decision to have faith in God and believe that Jesus rose from the grave. Exhibiting that control shows that we agree to surrender our eternity to God and He rewards us with a new Spirit (Ezekiel 11:19-20). From that point forward, the right balance is ingrained in us, but it does not control us. The Spirit is only a guide. So we still have to exhibit enough control, self-control, to listen to the anointed guidance from within (1 John 2:27), knowing that God will guide you along your road, but it is still up to you to drive. You cannot idly surrender and expect the Holy Spirit to completely take over your body and live your life on earth for you. And you cannot walk the path God has created for you while in complete control of everything. Both choices have consequences (Galatians 6:7). But- if you strive for the balance, have self-control and ask for His guidance in your decisions, you will feel supported but in control. I believe that is the balance that fills our hope of contentment.
One of the greatest lessons I have learned in my walk with Christ, is that there is incredible freedom in surrender. The tighter I hold on and try to control every aspect of my life, the more chained by my situation I feel. But if I rely on God as the filter for all of my decisions and choices, I feel free to choose a guided and anointed path. No longer confined by my life but completely empowered to enjoy it.
” So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36
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