Joy Killers – The Myth of CONTROL

Scripture is very clear in the fact that God intends for us to have an abundant, overflowing, and joy filled life (John 10:10).  The question I struggle with is, “then why is such a life so elusive?”  In considering this, I think there are a number of reasons.  Over the next several days I would like to give these joy killers some consideration.

The first of the joy killers is “The Myth of Control.”  James 4:13-15 instructs us, “Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make profit’ – yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring.  What is your life?  For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.  Instead you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.’”

How many times have we made our plans only to have them shattered?  And when our plans do not work out, how many times have we allowed frustration, discouragement, and even anger to well up within us?  Do we stop to consider that God may be directing our steps?  After all, Proverbs 16:9 tells us, “The heart of a man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”  When we forget that God is ultimately in control of our life we allow our lack of control to kill our joy.

Make an effort over the next few days to recognize that while you may make your plans, ultimately God is the one who directs what happens in your life.  When our plans are thwarted, we must recognize that God may be up to something.  So, instead of growing frustrated, allow anticipation to grow.  God may be up to something.