Let Go Of Control

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” (Matthew 6:25-27, NLT)

Do you ever feel like it’s all up to you? Like you have to figure out all the things, or manage every detail? You are not alone.

83% of moms say it is very important to them to be the perfect mom, according to whattoexpect.com. Which is interesting because how many of us really enjoy hanging out with perfect people? Likely, no one.

Often, as moms we have a deep desire to do things right, make the right decisions, provide opportunities for our kids and be the best mom we can be. But it can also bring out a deep desire to control all the factors and moving pieces in our life, even the ones that might not be ours to figure out.

This usually translates into some late-night anxiety lying in bed, playing through all the things that you need to figure out so you don’t ruin your kids (so dramatic!).

“Is my daughter hitting milestones like other kids her age?”

“What age should I get my kid a cell phone?”

“Are my kids watching porn or seeing things online that I don’t know about?”

“How do I help my kids develop grit and resilience, but also how do I know when to intervene?”

“Is my teenager making choices that they will regret?”

If you think you are the only mom spiraling with worry—fear not! The latest research from MomCo and Barna revealed that three out of four mothers find the statement, “I usually find myself worrying about something” at least somewhat true. From the fear of how we will get food on the table, to the fear of where we should send our kids to college. The worry that comes with motherhood is normal, but we also have a God who reminds us we don’t have to figure it out on our own.

Our fears can be changed by simply sitting in the fact that God is taking care of the things we can’t control. We can rest in God’s provision, goodness, and plans. We can breathe deeply knowing that God has made us the mom to our specific kids on purpose, and God will nudge, guide and provide the thing we need at the moment we most need it.

Reflection:

1. Ball up your fists tightly, hold them for 30 seconds and then release.
2. As you feel your hands unclench, think about one thing you need God to take control of so you don’t have to hold it anymore.
3. Surrender the situation or the person to God.

Prayer:

God, thank you for your provision. I know that even when I don’t see a way—you are making a way. Forgive me for my desire to control. Help me to relax in the knowledge of your provision. You always meet my needs. AMEN.