Living Free - Nov. 17, 2008
Today's Scripture
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take." Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT
Thoughts for Today
In today's world, a sense of safety and security may be difficult to find. The good news is that there is one way we can always be secure.
Most people feel more secure when they are in control. Somehow a trip down a mountain road does not feel as dangerous to us when we have our hands on the steering wheel. The passengers with us are likely to have much greater anxiety.
Having control over our circumstances is very important to most of us—it makes us feel more secure and confident. But we can't always be in control. And when circumstances beyond our control happen, we may feel helpless and experience panic or depression.
God provides a way for us to always experience a sense of security. He leaves it up to us … we can either continue depending on ourselves, panicking or losing hope when we can't control a situation … or we can depend on the Lord. If we choose Jesus and his way for our lives, we can always be secure in his love. We will still experience problems and trials on this earth, but we will begin to view them from an eternal perspective. When we turn control over to Jesus, we can know that no matter what challenges or trials we face, he will ultimately work them out for good.
Consider this…
Whose hands have control of your steering wheel? Are you still trying to control every detail of your life? Do you experience frustration, fear or even anger when you can't control what is happening to you? Consider turning everything over to Jesus. You can trust him.
Prayer
Father, it seems that every time I turn a situation over to you, I hang on to some little part of it and pull it away from you again. I want to be in control, and yet I know that doesn't always work out. Please forgive me for not trusting you with every area of my life. Help me to trust you more and to leave the control of my life in your hands. Help me to rest securely in your love. In Jesus' name …
These thoughts were drawn from …
Completely Free! by Dan Strickland. Everyone struggles from time to time, but we can have confidence that in Christ we are released from sin's slavery, from condemnation and from fear of failure. This group study of Romans 1-8 helps Christians break out of the dull routine of a stagnant spiritual life. Applying the truths found in Romans can transform any believer into a person eager to follow God's will, no matter what the circumstances in a person's personal life, in his country or in the world. This study can also serve as a powerful evangelistic tool by explaining the message of salvation as presented in Romans. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.
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