Photo by Jackson David on Unsplash
Our connection with God strengthens when we surrender – the most potent form of faith and trust in His divinity.
In between planning things to a T and doing things spontaneously, people commonly veer towards the former. This begs the question, why? When humans are capable of spontaneity, and it’s often proven that doing things on a whim gives more enjoyment and thrill, why do they choose order?
Beyond ensuring that the day or activity is maximized and nothing gets wasted to making certain that everyone involved gets the better end of the stick, this option gives a sense of control.
Humans as we are, we desire it. Whether it’s to feel in authority or simply because of our fear of uncertainty, we crave jurisdiction over our lives. And we make sure to attain this by firmly safeguarding our individualism through independence and self-direction.
We all want to be uniquely individualistic. As ironic as it sounds, everyone aims to experience or have the same uniqueness. We all strive to be different and lead separate yet equally meaningful lives, and to do this, we seek refuge in knowing that we’re in control and have the ability to make this happen. Outside this individualism, this self-reliance and the preservation of power has always been a natural tendency, a deeply human instinct.
Control leads to certainty, and for humans with ambitions, this is ultimately comforting. It helps us believe that we can shape events for our benefit and the outcome we want to achieve with the right processes. Hence, the more control people have over their lives, the more secure and guaranteed they feel about attaining the goals they’ve set for themselves. This sense of assurance and competence then helps boost their well-being. It’s a domino effect bridging control and well-being.
Control allows us to feel autonomous, that our lives are ours alone, with nobody else governing them. This is among the most vital sentiments people must share to ensure they aren’t, in any way, compromising their lives and their interests because they feel like they have no choice.
By having this sense of control, we have complete autonomy over our decisions, with nobody else choosing and managing our lives for us.
But how far should this go?
To what level should people be convinced they must control every aspect of their lives?
Humans, as we are, desire complete control over our lives. Knowing that we’re navigating life with our authority and the wheels are entirely on our hands is comforting. This gives us the understanding and awareness that life unfolds depending on how we want it to. It reassures us that things happen as we want them to. But often, letting go, despite being against our natural inclination, gives us more power than control.
There is a supreme being, an all-powerful creator, mandating life before we’ve even decided what to do next. He has already laid out everything He wants us to experience and have; all we need to do is wait for divine timing. Often, the more we take control and force things our way, the more detrimental it will be for us. After all, while humans want nothing but the best for themselves, they can also be stubborn and blind to what truly matters and advantageous for them.
In Joy for the Journey by Robert Mendonca, readers are taught how to form a deeper connection with God. His wisdom comes from his years of experience being close to ministry as a priest, a retreat master, and a convention. Hence, his advice is promised to be credible and genuine. And while it may seem ironic, he mentions that one way to bridge God and men is through the latter’s surrender. Leaving everything to His control and letting go of the desire to be controlling are among the best ways to become closer to God and live by His words and teachings.
Indeed, inaction or submission is the best way to show power and control.
My way or the highway doesn’t necessarily provide us with the most benefit compared to when we leave everything to His power and guidance.
Humans, as we are, can be blinded by our mundane desires to see what truly matters and serves us the most in life. But in God’s perspective, everything has been weighed and considered for the best. He wants nothing but the best for us, and in leaving behind the desire for control, only then will we be blessed with these gifts and favors.
The unknown may be scary. Uncertainty means we don’t know what’s about to happen and what we must do to prepare for it. Without taking control, the future becomes hazy rather than our desired clarity. However, this can be the best option, the condition that molds us toward the best life. While being in control gives us a sense of power and dominance over life, surrendering to His plans is a stronger form of faith and courage.
Believe in His guidance, and know He’ll lead us to where we’ll thrive. The inability to control and be thrust into a world of uncertainty is not as easy as it’s uncomfortable. But this powerlessness allows God to direct or redirect us to where we truly belong. There is always goodness once we surrender to His control. Initially, it can be challenging and confusing, but clarity will always follow once we let go.
Reymond Reviews 