Friday Faith Foundations - Are you a control freak?

It's time to let go of control and let God. Do you feel the need to control your life and situations? If yes, it's time to let go of control and let God. Say adios to being a control freak. That feels really hard and really ugly, doesn't it? Oh, how I know it. What is the control freak? Here's the simple answer. The control freak is that inner voice that says: Wait, it's not perfect yet I have to do everything No, I have to do it or it won't be right I better learn more first No one else will ever be able to do this the way I do it I'll just wait until I know it will work What if you mess this up I have to do it this way or it won't work There are more phrases the control freak says, but the point is, that the control freak is a critic. She is very closely related to the perfectionist, maybe even her identical twin. And thinks she needs to control every situation to ensure everything goes the way she thinks it should. The result? Continuously living with doubt, fear, overthinking, and procrastination. In addition, you feel exhausted because you're always on duty, doing it all. So you think. But in reality, others offer to help you, but you don't trust they will do it right, or good enough. Your thoughts aren't always the best thoughts Isaiah 55:9 says, "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Here's the thing about our thoughts. They are human. As humans, we are distracted. Distracted by secular influences and let's face it, the devil himself. So when we find ourselves trying to control a situation, person, or outcome, we need to quiet our inner control freak and turn to God. Most of the time we don't know what we don't know. And we aren't meant to build our lives and businesses alone. We need God to equip us. The gifts of the Spirit (wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord) awaken us to the next best action steps to take to grow. And we need people around us to help us. Or, we will experience burnout. The control freak isn't perfect There's a misconception our control freak has, that she is perfect, and if she maintains control of everything, everything will work out in her favor. The driving force for seeking control is the need to be perfect so others will be impressed. Yes, there are times when we need to impress ourselves, but this would be called pride. And we are not to be proud, but humble. Being successful and living a good life isn't about bragging rights. We are reminded of this in James 4:6, "But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” Read the full show notes and access all links.