Lessons from Family Life: Trusting God and Letting Go of Control

Daily life with my family often teaches me valuable lessons about our relationship with God. When I look at my toddlers, who are fiercely trying to become independent and seek more control over their lives, I see parallels with my own journey as an adult Christian. They frequently tell me, “I want to do it myself!” From brushing their teeth, to taking baths, and even attempting to clean themselves after using the potty, their desire for independence is clear. While some independence is good and encouraged, there are many tasks where they still need my help and guidance. Refusing that help can lead to failure, time wastage, or even injury.

In the same way, we sometimes struggle to relinquish control and let God take charge of our lives. Despite reading Philippians 4:6-7 multiple times, we may still fail to pray earnestly about the things that cause us anxiety:

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (NKJV).

I believe much of the anxiety we experience stems from our attempts to control things that are beyond our ability to manage—such as outcomes and other people’s opinions. While we should make plans, set goals, and work toward objectives, it’s important to approach these endeavors prayerfully, acknowledging that there are forces greater than us that will ultimately determine the outcome.

Proverbs 21:31 says, “The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the Lord” (NIV), and Proverbs 16:33 reminds us, “We may throw the dice, but the Lord determines how they fall” (NLT). Our role is to relinquish control completely to Him, trusting in His plan while believing in His promises.

Jeremiah 29:11 declares, “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”

This doesn’t mean that we should do nothing while waiting for God’s guidance. As the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30 shows, we are called to actively use the gifts God has entrusted to us. Instead of passively waiting, we should pray and commit our affairs to God while remaining diligent in our daily lives.

Here are some things we can do in the meantime:

1. Be hardworking and do our best in whatever we’re involved in:
   “Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let your hands not be idle, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or whether both will do equally well” (Ecclesiastes 11:6, NIV).
2. Speak wisely:
   “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone” (Colossians 4:6).
3. Control your thoughts:
   “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Philippians 4:8).
4. Follow peace with all people:
   “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14).

If we want some control in our lives, perhaps we should focus on what is within our power—our actions, words, and thoughts—and trust God with everything else.