As I go through different seasons of life I realize how little control I have in life. Sometimes that reality is very disheartening. Yet when I am tempted to grow hopeless and despondent, the Lord reminds me of the things I can control through the power of His Holy Spirit living in my heart.

• I can control how often I draw near to God in prayer, with a full assurance in His promise that He will draw near to me when I do so. The throne of grace is always open for me to find help in my time of need.
• I can control how much I entrust my future to the Lord. It might feel very uncertain, but God is never uncertain about any detail of it. He still has my every day perfectly planned out to make me more like Jesus and for the praise of His glorious name.
• I can control how I strive to use my words to give grace and to spur others on in life and godliness. I can ask God to guard my heart so that my words can build up rather than tear down.
• I can control where I put my hope: this world and its temporary pleasures; or in Jesus, who has proven by His death and resurrection that He is God. Hope comes from trusting in His kind sovereignty.
• I can control where I turn when life is hard and painful.  I can’t control what trials come into my life but I can remain steadfast in them through the Lord’s help. I can seek to respond in a godly way, asking God for the courage to obey Him even when it is painful and to do good to those who hurt me.
• I can control how much I choose to submit my emotions to the Lord. I can’t always control the feelings and thoughts that come into my heart and my mind, but I can ask God to transform my heart continually.  He is able to guard my heart and mind in Christ as He gives to me peace that passes understanding.

There are many things I can’t control but I know the God who controls everything, even the wind and the waves. He is powerful enough that there is nothing that is out of His control; but at the same time, He is loving enough that He cares about every detail of my life and every tear I cry. Despite all my failures and weaknesses, He continues to show me much mercy and compassion. I don’t have to be in control because God will always be in perfect control of everything.  Is there anything more comforting than that?