Trust Over Control: 3 Practices for Peace

Control. It’s a loaded word.

Most of us would agree that being called controlling isn’t a compliment. But having control feels good. It gets us what we want when we want‌ it. 

But what about when things spiral out of our control? When, despite our best efforts, our plans crumble? It’s in these moments we’re reminded of a deeper truth: Following Jesus means surrendering control.

What we try to control the most often shows where we trust God the least. So ask yourself the hard question: What are you holding onto that you need to release to God?

Surrender isn’t a one-and-done event. It’s a constant process of making the daily decision to loosen the grip on your life and release it to Jesus.

That’s why we at Life.Church Worship wrote “Only You.”

Our goal is to come alongside you with this song. Whether you’re playing it onstage or listening on your own, our hope is that this song helps you take a step toward freedom from worry and the need for control.

As a worship pastor, how do you lead others to fully surrender? It has to start with yourself. 

Try these three practices:

1. Gratitude

You know that every good thing comes from God. But are you living like that’s true?

Use this exercise to get started. Think of something or someone good in your life. Now, work backward until you find God as the source. 

Puts things into perspective, right? Since we didn’t create or wish that good thing into existence, we’re not supposed to be in control of it. We can’t—and if we try, it’ll only leave us frustrated or anxious.

Gratitude reminds us we’re not the source. It’s a humbling experience—but it’s also incredibly freeing. When we lay our control at God’s feet through thanksgiving, we experience the peace and joy of Jesus.

1. Prayer

Prayer reminds us we’re not in control, and keeps us close to the One who is. 

—Craig Groeschel, Senior Pastor at Life.Church

God isn’t shocked by our struggles. Even when you’re leading worship while wrestling with your own doubts, God isn’t surprised. 

So when you feel yourself taking back control, cry out to Him in prayer. Don’t hold back. It’s so easy to believe the lie that you’re supposed to have it all together, but no one is outside of needing God and His grace.

These prayers don’t have to be long and polished. 

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.

Romans 8:26 NIV

God knows what we need before we even ask. That’s why our prayers can be as simple as one word: Help!

When overwhelmed by the need for control, ask God to help you rest in His promises and take Him at His word.

1. Praise

Leading service after service can sometimes feel more like work and less like an offering to God. 

Remembering the heart of our worship is vital—it changes us. Worship isn’t simply something we do. The Bible shows us it’s a way to be, a state of mind, and a posture of our hearts.

Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his.  Psalm 100:1-3 NIV

We don’t worship only when we feel like it or because it’s our job as worship pastors. We worship God because He deserves all our praise. 

Praising Jesus reminds us just how great His sacrifice was and how great His love is. Worship becomes an opportunity to surrender our worries and our need for control at the feet of Jesus. 

At the end of the day, we sing it’s “all to You, Only You.”

_____

Life.Church Worship is a collective of worship pastors from Life.Church, a multi-site church with a mission to lead people to become fully devoted followers of Christ. Life.Church Worship is passionate about creating music that inspires listeners to pursue a relationship with Jesus. 

To learn more about Life.Church Worship or upcoming releases, visit www.life.church/worship