Biblical Answer

Can I still have a sense of control when everything feels out of control?

The Illusion of Control

It's natural to feel like we're not in control, especially when circumstances are overwhelming. However, the Bible teaches us that we are not in control of our spiritual formation, but we can intentionally design our lives to give Jesus free rein over our formation (John 15:5). This is not about being in control, but about being receptive to God's guidance and direction. As John Ortberg puts it, "The process is not greatly unlike mental telepathy, although more internalized and personalized" (emphasis mine). This means that we can learn to trust God and His sovereignty, even when things feel out of control.

The Power of Self-Control

Self-control is not about being in control, but about learning to master our impulses and emotions through the power of the Holy Spirit. It's about saying "no" to sinful desires, even when it hurts (1 Corinthians 10:13). This is a skill that can be developed over time, but it requires faith and reliance on God's grace. As the Bible says, "The Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation" (2 Peter 2:9). Self-control is not about being perfect, but about being intentional about living a life that reflects God's values and teachings. It's about learning to channel our energies and desires in ways that please God, rather than our own flesh.

Finding Balance

It's possible to feel like we're not in control, but this doesn't mean we should give up on living a life of self-control. In fact, self-control is a strategic countermeasure to the insatiable cravings of sin (2 Peter 2:9). It's about learning to say "no" to things that are ungodly, even when they feel urgent or appealing. This takes practice, but it's worth it. As the Bible says, "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?" (1 Corinthians 6:19). We can learn to trust God and His sovereignty, even when things feel out of control, and live a life of self-control that reflects His values and teachings.