Need to Control? Trust God

Individuals who are possessed with an inordinate need to control others do so from a position of weakness and fear. Soon after Bill and Kelly were married, choosing the church they would attend evolved into a major power struggle. Attempting to put the issue to rest, Bill told Kelly if she refused to attend his church, divorce would be her choice.

What Bill failed to understand is that submission can be given only where there is freedom to choose. Each time he imposed an ultimatum on Kelly, it left him feeling insecure and without peace. Defiance and sadness highlighted Kelly’s refusal to yield to Bill’s demands.

Both men and women may possess this need for dominance, but controlling others tends to alienate rather than create trust. Forced submission means imprisonment. An inordinate need to control is also a form of enslavement. Isaiah informs us that the Messiah would come to proclaim freedom for the captives. Jesus came to free you from the bondage of sin. 

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The book of Isaiah the prophet was handed to him [Jesus], and he opened it to the place where it says:

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me; he has appointed me to preach Good News to the poor; he has sent me to heal the brokenhearted and to announce that captives shall be released and the blind shall see, that the downtrodden shall be freed from their oppressors, and that God is ready to give blessings to all who come to him.”

~Luke 4:17-19 The Living Bible

Faith's Priority ~ Prince of Peace

What does Christmas actually mean to you? What real importance does it hold in your heart and soul? Is Christmas the time to be happy and joyful, eat good foods, visit friends and family and give special gifts? What about those who can’t reach such wonderful goals because obstacles seem insurmountable and permanent?

 

In spite of these problems for living, powerful faith priorities can separate the darkness from the light. These unique faith priorities say that only Jesus is the source of light and peace. Even where there is grief and sorrow, Jesus came to be the Prince of Peace, to heal the brokenhearted and be a comforter for those who are alone. God bless you and keep you!  

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For to us a child is born, to us a son is given,

And the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called … Prince of Peace.

~Isaiah 9:6 New International Version

Because the heart of our God is full of mercy towards us, the first light of Heaven shall come to visit us – to shine on those who lie in darkness and under the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the path of peace.

~Luke 1:78-79 Phillips – New Testament in Modern English

At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God’s praises:

Glory to God in the heavenly heights,

Peace to all men and women on earth who please him.

~Luke 2:13-14 The Message

The Lord gives perfect peace to those whose faith is firm.

~Isaiah 26:3 Contemporary English Version

Letter to Self: Let Go and Forgive!

With every personal loss, forgiveness will in some ways have to be acknowledged and addressed. Important losses may include a significant other’s deception or hurtful behavior. Everyone experiences anger, guilt and sadness that push forgiveness to the forefront for healing. Reluctance to forgive indicates the need for revenge.

Forgiveness requires emotionally letting go of a painful loss. When a relationship breaks up, the one not pursuing the separation may suffer the deepest anguish and pain. If panic and anxiety dominate, forgiveness may immediately be offered, hoping for reconciliation. If anger and hate dominate, however, forgiveness may not be forthcoming.

Some people find it impossible to let go of hope for reconciliation even after the other person is involved in a new relationship. Relinquishing this attachment feels like one's very existence is in jeopardy. Yet Jesus, the great physician, heals the brokenhearted when given the chance to do so. Forgiveness opens the door for God to heal you.  

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…The Lord has chosen me and sent me to tell the oppressed the good news, to heal the brokenhearted…The Lord has sent me to comfort those who mourn.

~Isaiah 61:1-2 Contemporary English Version

…and forgive us our sins, just as we have forgiven those who have sinned against us.

~Matthew 6:12 The Living Bible