Exchanging Control for God’s Peace

I’m reading a book right now called Relaxed by Megan Fate Marshman. It’s so good. In fact, I was on a call with one of my private clients yesterday morning when I referenced something from the book that pertained to our conversation, and we realized we’re both reading it. Synchronicity. So fun!

Repeatedly, in the book, she reminds us to “Go to God.” To go to Him with exactly how we’re feeling and to be honest with Him.

She relates our anxiety (or similar feelings) to warning lights on a car’s dashboard, reminding us to go to God—pointing us to Him. Instead of getting swept up in anxiety—what I often describe to my clients as “getting into a struggle with our emotions”—we notice it and take it straight to God. We can say, “God, I’m feeling so anxious right now. Help. What do you want me to know about this anxiety?” Anxiety REVEALS an area of life that we need (and want) to bring to God and surrender. In a way, anxiety is a gift because it shows us what lies underneath—an opportunity to draw near to Him.

For example, if I’m anxious about my schedule working out this week, that reveals an area I need to surrender to God. A prayer might sound like this (though there’s no perfect script when talking to God): “God, I just realized how anxious I am about this week. I notice how much I want to be in control—or feel like I need to be. Thank you for showing me how much I cling to control. When I’m trying to control everything, I feel so stressed. But when I trust that You are in control, which You are, I’m able to let go and feel relaxed. Help me to let go.”

As I read the book, I reflect on a value we hold in Live Brightly: “transformation over information.” There’s so much information out there—Google, Instagram, Pinterest, podcasts, books, etc. They’re great, but we don’t need to stack information. Instead, we want to consume less, focus on what’s meaningful, and then really apply it. Transformation happens when we draw near to the Ultimate Source—Jesus. When we go to God. When we’re honest with Him about how we’re doing, where we need help, and when we take the time to sit and listen to what He wants to show and teach us.

Just this week, I asked God, “God, why do I feel so much better this week than last week, even though my days look relatively the same?” My next thoughts felt directly from the Holy Spirit: “That’s what it feels like when YOU are trying to be in control, and THIS is what it feels like when you trust that I am in control.”

POOF. Brain explosion. I literally had to put my book down and go to sleep after that, falling asleep meditating on the thought because I didn’t want to forget it. So good.

I want to always live from a place of trusting that He is in control. Though I know I won’t do it perfectly (and never will), it IS what I want to aim for. I’m so much more relaxed this week compared to last (though I will say I was PMSing) when I was clicking into some controlling behaviors. I described it to a friend as feeling like I was trying to inbox-zero my whole life: zero out the laundry, the dishes, keeping the floors clean, etc. My brain told me I was getting ahead, but with that habit repeating daily, it was actually stressing me out. I was NOT living relaxed, as I value doing.

When we notice this, we just need to recalibrate. I just needed to slow down, bring it all to God (and maybe start my period—haha, we’re all women here, right?!), and settle my spirit again. He is in control. The little things are little. Focus on what truly matters: connection, love, joy, and experiencing peace in His presence.

When I trust Him, I have more peaceful thoughts—perhaps even fewer of them. I can be present, grateful, and trust His plan, no matter the outcomes.

Where is anxiety (or similar feelings) showing up for you today? What does that reveal about how He wants more of your trust? What areas is He asking you to surrender today?