Out of control

Sometimes, life can feel like it is spiraling out of control. Compounded trouble can place extreme weight on our shoulders and before we know it, our lives have shifted from trying to actualize our vision to simply trying to figure out how to deal with the massive weight we carry from day to day. Many people have given up on thriving; it can feel overwhelming enough just to try to survive. Let me give you four strategies for getting a handle on this chaos so that you can refocus towards your pursuit of destiny:

1. Choose your battles wisely.

Only engage in battles that are worth fighting. These are the battles that will help you in the war. If winning a battle doesn't help you get closer to your destiny, it isn't worth fighting. Many times we work hard to prove a point and once proven, we find it doesn't really matter anyway. This is a waste of energy and effort. It is important for you to learn how to do what you can and it is equally important that you don't try to do what you can't. There are battles to fight (fight the good fight of faith) and there are battles that you don't have to fight (stand still and see the salvation of the Lord) - choose wisely!

2. Avoid isolation.

As I have experienced myself go through stressful situations and as I have coached others through stressful situations, it has become very clear that it can be dangerous to isolate yourself when dealing with stress. While, it sometimes feels that this is the thing to do and sometimes you don't want to burden others with your problems, the bible is clear in teaching us that we're not islands. Isolation is a breeding ground for out-of-control thoughts which lead to nonproductive actions. If you have a positive support system (church, family, friends, etc.), let your support system provide support. If you don't have a positive support system, pray for and seek a church family and/or a group of positive people doing positive things with which to spend your time.

3. Posture yourself for your future.

Develop a worldview of being future-facing. Spending too much time dwelling on your past can be counterproductive. In the same way, focusing on the stress and pain presently facing you can be a negative practice. I challenge you to always ask yourself: "What have I learned from what I've been through that could help me now?" and "How can I recover and grow from what I'm facing right now and use it to advance to my future?" Everything you're going through and everything you have gone through will develop something in you that you will need later. All things work together for the good of them who love the Lord - so, focus forward; your future will be better because of your experience.

4. In order to gain control, you must lose control.

If your situation seems out of control, perhaps that is because the wrong person has the controls (in case you're wondering, that wrong person is you). There's an incredible peace to be gained by giving your problems to God. We are instructed to cast our cares upon Him because He cares for us. Your situation will remain out-of-control as long as you are trying to control it - when you give your pain, your worry, your anxiety, your stress to God, your situation will feel and become better. Let go and let God have His way!

Submitted by: Pastor Razel Jones