The Illusion Of Control

The Illusion of Control

I live in a city of nearly five million people, on a quiet street with nice neighbors. Lovely shops, cozy restaurants, a bayou hike-and-bike trail, and at least a half dozen coffee shops are minutes away. Our neighborhood association grooms the esplanades with care, and an informal neighborhood alert system keeps us apprised of any suspicious activity nearby.

If you walked down my street, you’d think it was full of people without a care in the world. People in complete control of their neat-as-a-pin lives. But control, I’m learning, is an illusion.

I’m reminded of that every time I see someone on a street corner with a crudely lettered sign and a plastic cup for handouts. Their faces change, but almost always there’s a sign that sums up the bearer’s plight in a handful of words. I’ll bet once they thought life was controllable. I’m sure each one used to live somewhere else. Somewhere better.

Far from my neighborhood, a national talk show host with an audience of twenty million held up a sign that said “Addicted to Prescription Painkillers.” He appeared to have an enviable life. He appeared to be in control. Recently I heard a precious woman tell of how, after being abused and evicted, she lived out of her car in a superstore parking lot. She did so for a long time before she went to her boss and spoke the words that would have been printed on her sign: “I’m homeless.”

So I’m wondering what’s behind the illusion of control in me—and in most of the people I see every day whose lives look near perfect. Which of us would have a sign that says “Toxic Marriage” or “Adultery” or “Liar” or “Addict”? Whose sign would say “Lonely” or “Cancer” or “Unresolved Anger” or “Compulsive Shopper”?

The truth is, we’re not in control—none of us. No matter how enviable our lives appear. No matter how neat and attractive we seem. That’s why I’m relieved that the one whose sign said “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews” tells us to come and find rest in him.

Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.

Matthew 11:28