“I don’t get upset about things I can control, because if I can control them there’s no sense in getting upset. And I don’t get upset about things I can’t control, because if I can’t control them there’s no sense in getting upset.”
– Mickey Rivers – American Baseball Player
If you grew up in the 1980s, you probably know this album cover—Janet Jackson’s Control. You may also be familiar with her coming-of-age story, out from under the shadow of her famous siblings and her manager father. Janet told the LA Times, “It was all about stepping out, taking control of your life… a certain point in your life when you ask yourself who you are and what you want to do.” CONTROL in this sense is the power to influence, hold authority over, or direct one’s own behavior or the course of events. Most of us desire a semblance of control over our lives. I’m not talking about the self-control that is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, which is also crucial. (Gal.5:22) I’m talking about personal autonomy and independence found in the song’s lyrics, “I want to make my own decisions. When it has to do with my life, I wanna be the one in control…” Ever felt that way? Some of us bristle when we feel we’re being controlled, losing control, or being required to relinquish control…even to God, but..how much control do we really have? Not as much as we think. Especially as Christ-followers.
Gospel songwriter Carol Antrom in the ’80s wrote a very different song about control— “My Times.” It’s based on Psalm 31:15. The lyrics are vulnerable, “If I were in control of my life, I think that I would have worked things out differently. There would be no disappointments, no hurt, no pain, of these things my life would be Scott-free. But that just goes to show how little I really know about leading, about controlling my own life. For you see all these things have worked together to make the best of me. And I’m glad that God controls my life. My times are in His hands. I’m learning each and every day to trust Him, come what may.” In Psalm 31, David is calling on the Lord for protection. He asks God to be his fortress and refuge. He’s older and frailer now. His soul is in anguish because his enemy is his son Absalom, who is coming to Jerusalem to kill him. Even in this horrific situation, David turns to God in worship, “My enemies conspire against me, plotting to take my life. But I am trusting you, O LORD, saying, “You are my God!” My future is in your hands. Rescue me from those who hunt me down relentlessly.” (vs. 13-16, NLT) Sometimes it seems as if our sense of control has been lost, and we are helplessly at the mercy of others. David knew, despite evidence and emotions to the contrary, that God was ultimately in control of his life and even of his death. He could let go of the control he really never had and trust God to make decisions about his future. My times and yours are in God’s hands. The ‘control’ we think we have is not control at all, because God has the final say.
