“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7
Our Focus on the Present
In our daily lives, it can be easy to become overwhelmed by thoughts of the past or worries about the future. However, the Bible encourages us to concentrate on the present moment. If we focus on what we can control today, we can provide ourselves with peace and clarity. By doing so, we acknowledge that God’s plans are beyond our understanding, and we trust Him to guide us through the uncertainties of life. This trust enables us to stand firm in our faith and take action on what we can influence and change.
Matthew 6:34
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” – Matthew 6:34
Philippians 4:6-7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7
Lamentations 3:22-23
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” – Lamentations 3:22-23
James 4:13-14
“Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” – James 4:13-14
Psalm 118:24
“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” – Psalm 118:24
Embracing God’s Control
Understanding the balance between what we can control and what we cannot allows us to embrace God’s control in our lives. We are reminded of His ultimate authority over our circumstances and that we can surrender our worries to Him. Recognizing this brings freedom and peace, for we no longer need to wrestle with situations beyond our grasp. Instead, we can confidently lean on God’s strength and wisdom, knowing He is fully in charge. This allows us to focus on the actions within our reach, growing our faith and reliance on Him.
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
Psalm 55:22
“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.” – Psalm 55:22
Isaiah 41:10
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10
Romans 8:28
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11
The Courage to Make Choices
The Bible reinforces the importance of making wise choices as a way to control our lives. Each decision we take offers us the opportunity to either draw closer to our goals or move away from them. By seeking God’s guidance in our choices, we set ourselves on a path that honors Him and brings fulfillment to our lives. Recognizing the influence of our decisions empowers us to embrace personal responsibility and encourages us to align our choices with His will. This process enriches our lives and helps us grow in faith and understanding.
Deuteronomy 30:19
“This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.” – Deuteronomy 30:19
Romans 12:2
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” – Romans 12:2
Galatians 6:7
“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” – Galatians 6:7
1 Corinthians 10:13
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.” – 1 Corinthians 10:13
Proverbs 4:23
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” – Proverbs 4:23
Finding Peace Amidst Chaos
Life’s uncontrollable situations can create chaos and unrest in our hearts. Yet, we can cultivate inner peace by focusing on what we can control, such as our responses and our thoughts. The Bible speaks of the peace that God grants us, nourishing our souls and calming our anxieties. When we turn to Him in prayer and focus on His promises, we can rise above our fears and uncertainties. By maintaining a positive attitude and dwelling in His presence, we can endure challenges and maintain our faith amidst storms.
John 14:27
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” – John 14:27
Isaiah 26:3
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” – Isaiah 26:3
2 Thessalonians 3:16
“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.” – 2 Thessalonians 3:16
Romans 15:13
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 15:13
Matthew 11:28-30
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” – Matthew 11:28-30
Acting with Faith
Our faith in God empowers us to act on what we can control, guided by His Spirit. The Bible emphasizes the importance of action in our journey with Christ. It calls us to be doers of the word, taking proactive steps in faith rather than sitting idly by. When we take action based on our faith, we invite God’s presence into our situation, enabling Him to work through us. Through prayer, reflection, and alignment with His will, we can transform our lives and influence those around us for good.
James 2:17
“In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” – James 2:17
Ephesians 2:10
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” – Ephesians 2:10
Colossians 3:23-24
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.” – Colossians 3:23-24
Proverbs 16:3
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” – Proverbs 16:3
Philippians 1:6
“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 1:6
Trusting God Through Trials
Life will present trials that challenge our ability to control our environment. However, the Bible reminds us that even in hardship, we can find strength and comfort by trusting God. We may not be able to control every circumstance, but we can control how we respond through faith. By relying on God’s enduring presence and promises, we can endure trials and emerge stronger in our faith. Our ability to trust God amid adversity reinforces our relationship with Him, nurturing our spiritual growth and resilience.
1 Peter 1:6-7
“In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” – 1 Peter 1:6-7
Romans 5:3-4
“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” – Romans 5:3-4
2 Corinthians 12:9
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9
Isaiah 43:2
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” – Isaiah 43:2
Psalm 34:19
“The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all.” – Psalm 34:19
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on controlling what we can, we recognize the wonderful guidance the Bible provides. It teaches us the balance between focusing on the present, embracing God’s power, and taking action in faith. By trusting God and His plans for us, we can cultivate peace amidst chaos and learn to navigate life’s challenges with grace.
Building our faith involves recognizing our choices and responding with courage and prayer. As we continue to rely on God for our strength, we find that we are never alone. He stands ready to provide wisdom and redirect our paths when we turn to Him.
If you wish to explore themes of trusting God further, I encourage you to check out letting God take control or leaving it in His hands. Each promises to deepen our understanding of surrendering control and fostering a closer relationship with Him.