God’s Help When You Feel Out of Control

What Makes You Feel Out of Control?

We can’t always pinpoint that exact time when we gave in to fear and started behaving in an unstable manner toward others. When fear overtakes our sense of reason, the typical response to any perceived stressor is fight or flight. The desire to exert control over others occurs when you perceive that your environment is threatening the thread of order you’re trying to maintain. The truth is that control is an illusion. It’s your ruler of measurement that’s created by you as a means of coping with any perceived stressors. When we try to stay on a manufactured narrow rule of measure, it’s possible that we could come across as an out-of-control busybody who can’t keep still, an indecisive sluggard, a controlling and unreasonable spouse seeking to monitor our every move, an obsessed workplace micromanager, or a person resistant to any kind of change, or maybe someone who becomes overly anxious when waiting. These are examples of what others may describe as “out of control” and in need of help. The world offers many practical solutions to assist us in coping with perceived stressors, for instance, counseling, anxiety drugs, exercise, and rest. Many have turned to mysticism as their chosen solution for stress. But the Lord, our God, offers an even better solution to the saint burdened down by crushing worries. In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus said, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” When you discover that some of the scenarios presented here sound a lot like you, don’t be discouraged. Recognize the symptoms and cry out to God for his help through the very real feelings that cause you to behave the way you do to others. Let Us Pray that the Lord, our God, will hear your prayer and know of your heart’s desire to be freed from the bondage of your own fears, and return you to his intended place for you: a state of peace. In Jesus’ own words to his disciples come words of comfort and encouragement. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27).