Out of my Control

“He rules over all the moments that seem to us to be out of control. He sets up his kingdom in our hearts, rescuing us from all the other things that would rule us. And he patiently teaches us that we weren’t created to live as kings, anxiously working to set up our own little kingdoms. He teaches us what it means to rest in his kingship and to live for his glory. And he encourages us with the truth that his kingdom will never, ever end.”

From NEW MORNING MERCIES by Paul David Tripp 

6-7 Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.

8-9 Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.

Philippians 4:6-9 Message 

I’ve been reading this devotional since 2020, and it has been such a consistent source of comfort and encouragement. Nearly every day, it meets me with scripture and words that speak directly to my heart and offer just what I need. One line that especially resonates with me is this: “He rules over what seems to us to be out of control.” What a powerful reminder! Praise God that I don’t have to carry the burden of control—He’s got it all in His hands.

My role isn’t to fix everything or dwell on the chaos. My job is simply to “think on the best, not the worst…” and trust in His sovereignty. What a freeing truth to hold onto today!