Peace in the absence of control

What a beautiful lesson...
for my heart to learn about striving. It's natural you see, for a control freak like me. We strive. We tug. We pull, twist and turn. Anything really to try to get our way. And when it's not turning out like we 'planned,' we blame ourselves. And where's the peace in that?

But here, God says...
He will establish peace for us! That sounds like a mighty nice place to live... on a foundation of peace. And all I need to do is recognize that ALL I have accomplished, He did for me. So I can unclench my hands. I can let go of the crazy. I can quit trying to make everything so perfect and relax into His grace.

God created us...
on purpose and for a purpose. And all that we have and will accomplish is through His gift of grace... whether we are willing to acknowledge it or not. But THAT's where the tipping point is. It's in the recognition of control. Who am I going to put in charge of my life? Who am I going to give credit for the good things? Because if I give it all to me, myself and I... it turns out a pretty hot mess. But when I give it to God, I get to rest in His peace, knowing He works all things for good. And then... if something gets messed up, I don't have to condemn myself anymore.

What a relief!
That's actually the best news I've considered in a while. So why is it so terribly troublesome to do? Why does our inner-self pitch a fit when we first consider NOT getting credit for something amazing we accomplished in life? Did we really make it all happen... all the while putting breath in our lungs and keeping our heart beating? Or can we admit that somewhere, somehow God had a part... or a whole lot to do with our success?

What have you accomplished...
lately that could use a bit of gratitude to God? Have you thanked Him for His guidance, His help, His wisdom? Could it be possible that He gave you the strength, the encouragment, the opportunity, and the endurance to finish?

Share in the comments. I'd love to hear from you!