Release the Controller

Release the controller.

Yes, you. No more playing. Leave the controller aside.

You want to win the game of life? Yeah, I get you. When we have the control, we can move things the way we want them (or intend) to go or to behave. It feels satisfying knowing what your next move is, the probability of getting what you want, and feeling confident that you are following your plan. It feels good, not gonna lie. But again, you have to release the controller.

You fear what is going to happen, you say? Yeah, me too. When life feels unpredictable, or when your plans and moves do not seem to work, you start to overthink. You start to overanalyze everything you do and everything others do. You try to find what you missed, what you did wrong. You start to overthink scenarios, just so you can try to predict what is to come. You overthink others’ thoughts and actions. You overthink your own emotions and thoughts, and thus, you cannot trust yourself anymore. If it is not someone else’s fault, it probably is your own. That is how it feels, right? Still, you have to release the controller.

You want to have answers? I want them too. If we just knew how life was going to turn out! At the same time, though, what if you do not like the answer? Of course, best-case scenario, you like it, and you move towards it according to the plan that life has left for you. But it is not always the case, unfortunately. If you do not like it, though, it would be even worse. Destined to something you hate; it would be unfortunate, and your life would become a misery. I guess that is why life likes mystery.

Who would take the controller, you ask? Well, there are several options. You could let your friends, family or loved ones take the controller for you. Maybe you would not like it, but hey, at least they would like it, so they would love you, right? On the other hand, you could just let the controller be, and maybe it will move on its own. After all, life is already unpredictable from our point of view. You could also let other forces take the controller. Have you heard of Jesus, by the way? Yeah, the guy who was so nice to the world that he got crucified. Have you considered giving the controller to him?

What will He do? I do not know, and I wish I could tell you. But even if he told us explicitly and exactly what He would do, we would not understand at all. Now, of course, you can take different approaches to that uncertainty. Some say you have to put your effort anyway because God’s plans won’t work out if you do not put your part. Others say that it doesn't matter what you do, God’s will will happen anyway. Others tell you that the answer is already in the Bible and that you just have to meditate on it, and you will find the answer. Even more, others say that God will give you signs of what the right path is, so you just gotta ask for signs. For me, personally, each position seems confusing or incomplete. I think only by knowing Jesus, we can get a better sense of what He will do and what He wants for our life. 

How to get to know Jesus? Well, there are several tips for this. But, to be honest, do what makes you have a better relationship with Him. You could be reading the Bible for hours and yet not know Him well. You could be praying for a couple of minutes and that might already spark something inside you. Sadly, I cannot give you specific answers, because each one’s experience with God is different. What matters the most, though, is that you can build trust in Him. You won’t be able to give him the controller if you do not have trust in Him, right?

Yes, I know it is quite complicated and worrisome. Yet there are so many stories of people leaving their lives in Jesus’s hands, and things have turned out well for them. Maybe they did not get the best job positions, a lot of riches or ideal partners and friends, but they got what they needed. The customer reviews are already there, so why not give it a try? 

Release the controller. Give it to Him.

Jesus knows what you really need.