Matthew 2:17, "Herod's brutal action fulfilled what God had spoken through the prophet Jeremiah..."

Think

"When we give up control to God, that's when we truly gain control." King Herod was a control-freak who ruled with fear. He killed anyone who threatened his throne, including his own sons. Imagine Herod's mood when he heard there was a newborn king of the Jews. To get rid of this perceived threat, he ordered the murder of every male child under age two in and around Bethlehem. Thankfully, God had other plans. Herod didn't understand that being a brutal tyrant is like trying to squeeze sand; it all slips away. We may not be brutal tyrants, but most of us have control issues. Living a controlling life is like squeezing sand. The more we try to control the circumstances of life, the more we lose control. There is another way that we can truly gain control, though. When we open our hands and give control to God, we will find that his plan was better all along. When our decisions are put through God's filter first, we gain control in a way the world doesn't understand. Give up control and discover the freedom of operating under his direction.

Act

Before making your next decision, take a deep breath and pray about it. Sincerely ask God for his direction. Then, ask for wise counsel from people who are also seeking God's direction in their decision-making.

Pray

Dear God, thank you for having a plan that I can follow. I'm tired of trying to control everything in my life; but I'm also scared to let go. Give me courage to open my hands to you and let you take control. In Jesus' name, Amen.