HOUSE OF ROBERTS BLOG

The more I live my life, the more I come to terms with the fact that there are more and more things that are out of my control. I can’t control my wife, I can’t control my kids, I can’t control the economy, I can’t control the mood that my boss is in, I can’t control the cost of grass…Should I go on? Let’s be honest, feeling like you have no control is not a great feeling, especially for those of us who have control issues (which my wife kindly tells me that I have). 

If you don’t know how to handle those moments, they can bring severe worry and stress into your life as well as cause you to become paralyzed in living your life. They can make you physically sick as well as provoke you to make poor decisions. The question then is, how do we deal with these moments and feelings? I’m no expert on these situations, but it seems like God is taking me on a crash course on how to get better at them. Here is what I am learning: first, in every situation that you find yourself in, there are things you can control and things you cannot control.

When it comes to the things, people, and situations that you can’t control you give those to someone who can do something about them - God. The Bible actually tells us that there are things in this life that only God can do something about it. For example, the Bible says that only God can change a person’s heart. That means you can’t change your wife, boss, or children, but what you can do is pray to God about them and ask Him for help. The moment you try to take on something that you cannot do, it will open the door to worry, stress, and disappointment. Dad, God has the things that you don’t, and though your life may feel out of control, remind yourself in those moments that God is in control. 1 Peter 5:7 says, “Cast all your anxieties onto the Lord, for He cares for you.” God cares for you Dad, and what you call “impossible” He calls “easy.” Daily I have to give to God that which is important to me, but I have no control over. I choose to see God as one who cares about me, and who can do things that I can’t. Now how about what I can control?

Yes, there are things in your life that you can’t control but there are things in your situation that you can control. Don’t get so focused on what you can’t control that it disables you. In every situation, in every relationship, in every obstacle, there are responsibilities that you can embrace. If you are not sure what that is, then I would make that a point of prayer between you can God. He will show you what you can do. I’d also make sure you’re reading your Bible because it gives clear instructions on what you can do in every situation. For example, you may not be able to make your boss give you a raise or promotion but you can continue to work hard, get better, and continue to be integrous. You may not be able to save your marriage, but you can become a better husband. You can commit to praying daily for your wife, you can pursue her again, you can get counseling to work out your own personal issues. 

At the very least, in every situation and circumstance, you can choose to daily make God first in your life. In Matthew 6:33 Jesus says, “Seek first the Kingdom of God, and live righteously…” At the very least Dad, model a life that puts God first. Daily spend time with Him, tithe, and serve at your local church. These are all outward activities that demonstrate an inward commitment that God is first in your life.

I don’t know what you are dealing with or walking through right now, but I do know this. There are things in that situation that you can control and other things that you can’t. Give to God what He says is His, embrace the part you are to play, and watch how it impacts your life. Peace will flood your heart and mind, you will make progress, you will become more like Jesus, and you will see the miraculous throughout your lifetime. You got this Dad!