Refocus your faith by giving up control - Devotional Day 5

When you begin to let go of that control, your faith starts to refocus. You slowly start to learn to depend on him, to seek him, and you're in prayer all day. He wants us to seek him, and live a life of prayer and obedience. I want to get you to think about some things; what are the things you find yourself trying to control? What inside you do you find it difficult to control? Examples would be, controlling people, controlling a situation, controlling an outcome, creating anxiety, creating negative thoughts, spiraling.... anything that you really find yourself depending on your own strength. This revolves in so many areas of our lives. And I am not saying that once you create this habit, you live a life of complete dependence on God. Its a daily surrender, a daily examination, a daily habit of saying "God not my will, but yours"

I still struggle to this day but because I have created that foundation in my faith it's not as hard as it once was. Pain from my past sometimes lingers, anxiety creeps in when things are not going the way I would like them to go, overwhelm happens when I can't control my household...but through all these things I am able to reflect. I say "God I give it to you" and thats on repeat. While I am washing the dishes, sweeping, playing, whatever I am doing, I am praying. "God only you know whats happening, give me understanding, and patience" I am always so vulnerable with God and I hold nothing back. Like I've said, he is my best friend and he already knows way more than what I actually say. Theres a song that says "even when I can't see it you're working" and I want that to be your takeaway today. Slowly give up control, submit your life to him and you will see that he is going to work in your life and in the life of others. 

Memory Verse

James 1:2-3

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials. Knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 

Prayer:

God today I come to you with an open heart. I pray that you would come over my life and remove my anxiety, my spiraling, my ways of wanting to control every situation. I want to depend on you in all things, I want to submit my life to you. Give me a heart of joy and love. Your word says that you give me a spirit of courage not fear. I admit that when I want to control something I expect my own outcome and not yours. Help me to see that your plans and ways are higher than mine. You know whats best for me and you know the desires of my heart. Come into my life and rescue me Lord so that my faith would be refocused.