Taming the Control Freak - Encouragement Café - September 4

Taming the Control Freak
 By Noelle Dey

Then Naomi said to her, "Just be patient, my daughter, until we hear what happens. The man won't rest until he has followed through on this. He will settle it today."  Ruth 3:18 NLT

Why would a cheapskate mom consider spending 20 dollars for a bad quality photograph?

To have physical proof that her ten-year-old daughter braved the Space Mountain rollercoaster at Disneyland.

It took all of my sales skills and the promise of a churro to get Sierra on board.

I screamed and laughed through the sharp turns and unexpected drops.  Sierra was silent… until the end of the ride.

“That was really fun!  Can we buy the picture to show Dad?”

“Of course.”

But when we got to the viewing area, she changed her mind. 

Sierra’s mouth looked like a hamster’s… ready to bite… and her captivating Asian eyes were non-existent since she never opened them the entire time.  Her grip was so tight on the lap bar, you could see how white her knuckles were.

Although my daughter is a stunning beauty, it really was one ugly picture.

I can’t help but wonder if that’s what I look like in the spiritual world each time I try to control my circumstances.  I pray and cast my cares to the Lord.  And then I quickly retrieve what I trusted to Him.  My knuckles turn white as I micro manage those around me.  I manipulate.  I feel guilty.  It’s an unsightly cycle.

Ruth and her mother-in-law Naomi knew they would have an amazing future if Boaz was Ruth’s kinsmen redeemer.  But before he could commit, he hadto discuss the necessary arrangements with those in his community.  There were specific laws for marrying a widow of an Israelite relative.

If I were in Ruth’s shoes, I probably would have run into town trying to catch a glimpse of the conversation.  Or maybe I would have nestled into the groups of women nearby, hoping for morsels of gossip.

But not Ruth.  Ruth rested patiently and trusted that Boaz would settle the matter.  She knew that he was her advocate.  He was trustworthy.  He loved her.  She could rest.

You and I are Ruth.  God is our Heavenly Boaz. 

God loves us with a love that is far greater than our human understanding.  Inevitably, our lives have rollercoaster-like ups and downs and there are unexpected turns.  But God gently loosens our white-knuckled grip.  He reminds us that He can be trusted.  He is our advocate.  He loves us.  We can rest in that truth.    

Philippians 4:6-7 gives us a solution to our white-knuckled grip. Pray about your trying circumstances! 

Don’t miss this detail… “thank Him for all He has done.”

Take time right now to write a list of at least ten things God has done for you.  As you bask in His faithfulness, your grip loosens and you can raise your hands in the air and enjoy the ride.

Each time you want to control your circumstances after releasing them to God, add to your gratitude list.  Test it and see… your heart and mind will be flooded with His peace!

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are our advocate.  You are trustworthy.  Help us to  pray over our trying circumstances with thankful hearts.  Empower us by Your Holy Spirit to release our white-knuckled grips and enjoy the ride.  We praise You and we pray in Jesus’ Name, Amen!

For more encouragement, check out Noelle’s book:  Transformation by Truth: 30 days to a healthy heart, mind and body

© 2019 by Noelle Dey.  All rights reserved.

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