Creating a Better NormalSample

Letting Go of Things We Can’t Control 

From a global pandemic to uncertain economies to heightened awareness of racial injustice, 2020 was a reminder that there are so many things beyond our control. And in such uncertainty, we’re tempted to panic or long for our old normal. But what if it’s time to create a better normal? 

What if this is the season to reevaluate our priorities? What if this year is a wake-up call to surrender apathetic living for a passionate pursuit of God? 

Maybe our first step toward creating a better normal for ourselves and others is to fully surrender control to our Creator. Maybe it’s time to stop idolizing independence and certainty and start practicing dependency on God and others. 

This isn’t a new concept. In one of Jesus’ most famous sermons during His time on earth, He opens with this statement: 

“God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.” Matthew 5:3 NLT 

Realizing our need for a Savior isn’t a one-time event at salvation. It’s an ongoing, desperate acknowledgement that we need God in every moment. 

So, back to this issue of control. We can control some things. But not as many as we’d think. In Galatians 5, Paul writes about the fruits of the Spirit. When we allow the Holy Spirit to direct us and lead us, we can start producing these fruits—including self-control. 

We can’t control what happens to us. We can control our response—our self. But even then, we can only control ourselves when we surrender our lives to God and to the working of the Holy Spirit. 

Think back on the past few days. Have you been trying to control things out of your control? It’s time to surrender all those things to the only One fully capable of carrying them. 

Pray: God, I realize that I’ve been trying to control things outside of my control. I surrender all of those things to You, knowing that I can fully trust You to carry them. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

Challenge: Make a list of all of the things you’ve been trying to control. Spend some time praying and asking God to help you surrender each one fully to Him. 

Learn more about creating a better normal for your life on Season 2 of the You’ve Heard It Said podcast.