Stress and Maintaining Control – Surrendering to Christ
Pastor Joseph Clark – January 8, 2023
The first week after New Year’s has been a relief. I love Christmas—celebrating the birth of Christ, gathering with family, sharing meals, and giving gifts. Yet with the joy also came stress: sons driving long distances for the first time, a daughter flying in, another on the train, elderly parents needing rides, ministry obligations, and a snowstorm that disrupted everything. Through it all I tried to stay in control, but I became anxious and worn down.
In Proverbs 3:5–6 we read:
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
Life feels stressful because we pressure ourselves to get everything right. We rely on our own judgment and strength. Yet Jesus tells us in John 14:1:
“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.”
Peace comes when we give control to God. Faith is not only believing He exists or trusting in salvation; it is believing He rules our lives and knows everything happening to us. Some things will go wrong, and when they do, they are still part of His plan.
Counselors say, “What we resist persists.” The harder we try to control every detail, the more overwhelming life feels. That’s why the phrase “Let go and let God” is more than a slogan—it’s a command for peace.
Psalm 28:7 says:
“The LORD is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.”
Paul writes in Philippians 4:13:
“I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.”
Faith feels strong in church or while singing hymns. But what about when bills arrive, cars break down, or plans collapse? Too often we think, I’ll give God control after I fix this mess. But Christ is with us in the mess.
Two Mexican proverbs capture the balance: “Pray, but get to work” and “Believe in God, but lock your car.” We must act responsibly, yet surrender outcomes to God.
When we hand over our burdens, we find rest. God is ever-present, all-powerful, and always in charge.
1 Peter 5:7 says:
“Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”
And Psalm 55:22 promises:
“Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.”
This year I want to stress less and trust God more—to truly let go and let Him lead. I pray you will do the same.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, Creator of all things, thank You for sustaining us and guiding us each day. We praise You for blessings seen and unseen. We surrender control of our lives to You and ask for strength so others may see Your light in us. We pray this in the holy name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Pastor Joseph Clark – January 8, 2023
The first week after New Year’s has been a relief. I love Christmas—celebrating the birth of Christ, gathering with family, sharing meals, and giving gifts. Yet with the joy also came stress: sons driving long distances for the first time, a daughter flying in, another on the train, elderly parents needing rides, ministry obligations, and a snowstorm that disrupted everything. Through it all I tried to stay in control, but I became anxious and worn down.
In Proverbs 3:5–6 we read:
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
Life feels stressful because we pressure ourselves to get everything right. We rely on our own judgment and strength. Yet Jesus tells us in John 14:1:
“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.”
Peace comes when we give control to God. Faith is not only believing He exists or trusting in salvation; it is believing He rules our lives and knows everything happening to us. Some things will go wrong, and when they do, they are still part of His plan.
Counselors say, “What we resist persists.” The harder we try to control every detail, the more overwhelming life feels. That’s why the phrase “Let go and let God” is more than a slogan—it’s a command for peace.
Psalm 28:7 says:
“The LORD is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.”
Paul writes in Philippians 4:13:
“I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.”
Faith feels strong in church or while singing hymns. But what about when bills arrive, cars break down, or plans collapse? Too often we think, I’ll give God control after I fix this mess. But Christ is with us in the mess.
Two Mexican proverbs capture the balance: “Pray, but get to work” and “Believe in God, but lock your car.” We must act responsibly, yet surrender outcomes to God.
When we hand over our burdens, we find rest. God is ever-present, all-powerful, and always in charge.
1 Peter 5:7 says:
“Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”
And Psalm 55:22 promises:
“Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.”
This year I want to stress less and trust God more—to truly let go and let Him lead. I pray you will do the same.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, Creator of all things, thank You for sustaining us and guiding us each day. We praise You for blessings seen and unseen. We surrender control of our lives to You and ask for strength so others may see Your light in us. We pray this in the holy name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Stress and Maintaining Control – Surrendering to Christ
Pastor Joseph Clark – January 8, 2023
The first week after New Year’s has been a relief. I love Christmas—celebrating the birth of Christ, gathering with family, sharing meals, and giving gifts. Yet with the joy also came stress: sons driving long distances for the first time, a daughter flying in, another on the train, elderly parents needing rides, ministry obligations, and a snowstorm that disrupted everything. Through it all I tried to stay in control, but I became anxious and worn down.
In Proverbs 3:5–6 we read:
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
Life feels stressful because we pressure ourselves to get everything right. We rely on our own judgment and strength. Yet Jesus tells us in John 14:1:
“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.”
Peace comes when we give control to God. Faith is not only believing He exists or trusting in salvation; it is believing He rules our lives and knows everything happening to us. Some things will go wrong, and when they do, they are still part of His plan.
Counselors say, “What we resist persists.” The harder we try to control every detail, the more overwhelming life feels. That’s why the phrase “Let go and let God” is more than a slogan—it’s a command for peace.
Psalm 28:7 says:
“The LORD is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.”
Paul writes in Philippians 4:13:
“I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.”
Faith feels strong in church or while singing hymns. But what about when bills arrive, cars break down, or plans collapse? Too often we think, I’ll give God control after I fix this mess. But Christ is with us in the mess.
Two Mexican proverbs capture the balance: “Pray, but get to work” and “Believe in God, but lock your car.” We must act responsibly, yet surrender outcomes to God.
When we hand over our burdens, we find rest. God is ever-present, all-powerful, and always in charge.
1 Peter 5:7 says:
“Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”
And Psalm 55:22 promises:
“Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.”
This year I want to stress less and trust God more—to truly let go and let Him lead. I pray you will do the same.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, Creator of all things, thank You for sustaining us and guiding us each day. We praise You for blessings seen and unseen. We surrender control of our lives to You and ask for strength so others may see Your light in us. We pray this in the holy name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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