Does life feel out of control?
‘Take control of your own destiny’. This kind of motivational phrase is one we hear a lot, especially at this time of the year. But can we truly have control over the twists and turns of everyday life?
Photographer: Carmen Rose. Fashion Stylist: Jess Lee. Hair and Makeup: Josie Hanuska. Model: Lottie Aaron at priscillas.
NEW YEAR, NEW GOALS
For some, the New Year brings rituals of setting new goals and visions for the year ahead. They might be there to help us achieve a new level of fitness or move forward in our career, but all of them seek to help us take control over the direction of our coming year.
After two years of a pandemic where so much has been out of our hands, perhaps the desire for control over where our lives and livelihoods are heading is felt more than ever.
While the idea of being able to rule over the course of life is attractive - who wouldn't want to know our dream job is secured if we follow a 5 step plan? - What happens when, in spite of all our will, determination and strength, we just don’t get the outcome we want?
The truth is, no matter how hard we try, inevitably, there will be situations we face that are out of our hands. Even with all planning and goal setting in the world, sometimes a rejection from a job, a failed relationship or a loved one passing away can’t be prevented.
Frankly, trying to maintain control in every area of life can become exhausting and tiring.
AN ALTERNATIVE
In these moments of feeling like we’ve lost control, faith can offer us an understanding that, when it comes to the bigger picture, God is taking care of it - and thank goodness for that.
The Bible teaches us that while there are practices we can implement in our day-to-day to help better ourselves, our relationships and our careers, we were never meant to try and control the course of our life, that much is up to God. ‘There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord.’ (Proverbs, 21:30, NIV).
Here, faith takes the pressure off of us. It replaces the perception that we need to ensure our lives are perfect with the knowledge that even when things go wrong, rest and reassurance can be found.
Faith allows us to show up as we are, not having to know all the answers and not having to claim we know them either. Despite the insecurities we may be feeling about our future, faith can provide us with confidence in where our lives are heading.
FINDING HARMONY
The caveat with this is that it’s easy to believe that God is in control when things are going well, but when things go wrong, trusting that God’s got our back can feel impossible.
In these times, there are practical things we can do to find comfort.
The first is learning about the nature of God. Where we lack the power to control where we’re heading, God more than makes up for it. ‘Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God.’ (Romans 11:33, NIV).
The second thing is remembering that although God does some of the work, there’s still lots for us to do. We can make choices in our lives everyday that can help keep us on track for our goals, maintain healthy relationships and ensure we are looking after our mental health.
Maybe this year we can let go of the need to seek control over everything in life, and instead find a harmony between our goals and the unexpected hurdles that life is bound to throw at us through faith.
Day-to-day, we can keep our lives on track through our choices and decisions, but when we come face-to-face with situations that are out of our hands, we can find peace in knowing that God is in control.
WORDS BY
Ellie Dalton
