I’ve always heard it said that everybody worships something–if you aren’t worshiping God, it doesn’t mean you don’t worship. You just worship something else.

The same is true with control. Everyone is controlled by something. You may be controlled by the expectations of others, shame, a substance or habit. Everyone is controlled by something everyday.

Control may feel like freedom but it is only freedom when you get to choose what controls you.

When God is not number one and at the center of everything, something else is, and whatever is at the center of your life will control you.

Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires…Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but not you have a new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God.

Romans 6:12-13 NLT

What controls you? Anxiety? Fear? Guilt? a particular relationship or habit?

Giving God control of your life, starts with these steps:

• Admit that you or something/one else is trying to play God
• With humility, acknowledge you can’t change on your own
• Ask God to change you
• Be honest with someone about your desire to make Christ the center of your life–the one in control
• Release ownership of your life (and your perceived control) to Jesus.

This isn’t about trying harder. This is about trusting God–relying on Him as the One who holds everything together.