There are so many things in life that will push us around if we don’t stand up & take control. Our flesh will push us to do what we want to do, fulfilling our own selfish desires, doing what is contrary to the will of God. Other people will push us around, pushing us to please them and keep them happy- allowing them to have a level of control over us. The cares of this world try to push us around, pushing us to constantly gain this, achieve that- controlling our emotions, energy, and our time.
There comes a time when we have to stand up & take control.
We must assess our lives, our situations, and ourselves to determine the root issue. Most often, whatever the issue is will always lead back to an issue that we have. For instance, if we are only focused on ourselves than we must honestly deal with our own selfishness. If we are allowing others to push us around, then we must determine the issue within ourselves that causes us to allow others to control us. The issue starts with us.
We must stand up & take control of our own issues.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I say stand up & take control, but I’m not referring to an outright, aggressive move on our part. We can stand up & take control peacefully and gracefully.
I’ve made many major changes in my life with little words.
We have to allow the Lord to lead us when it comes to explaining our decisions. Too much explaining comes from a desire to please, and honestly it is rather distracting from our progress in life. We must live in peace, and do our best to live in peace with everyone (Romans 12:18), but this does not mean making sure that others understand all of the decisions we make.
Maybe your feelings try to control you. Feelings are an essential part of life, but they should not control us. Maybe it’s time to stand up to your feelings. I believe that we have more power over our feelings than we sometimes think. Also, sometimes we feel a certain way because we are believing lies as truth, allowing the lies to operate as strongholds in our lives.
I love this Psalm:
“Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why are thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.”
– Psalm 42:5
I love it because David is basically talking to his own soul! I don’t know what’s wrong with you, I’m going to praise the Lord! I’m not sure why you’re down, o my soul, but I’m going to praise the Lord!
Have you ever felt down and didn’t know why?
Sometimes all we can do is praise the Lord! Praising Him encourages us because as we focus in on Him, we are reminded of His glory, His power, His mighty, life-changing presence! As we praise Him, we remember all that He has done for us, who He is, and quite frankly when we praise the Lord, the devil flees.
Even demons know that Jesus has the power to destroy them (Luke 4:31-36).
As Christians, we just have to make sure that we know. If not, we will walk in defeat and distress unnecessarily. As children of God, heirs of God, joint-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17); we must stand up & take control. We do not fear because He is with us (Psalm 23:4), we are not of those that draw back (Hebrews 10:39), and we know that if God be for us who can be against us (Romans 8:31)?
Let’s stand up, take control, and overcome whatever may be trying to control us.
We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13), and we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us (Romans 8:37).
“What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
– Romans 8:31
