Key Bible Verse: Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall (Psalm 55:22). Bonus Reading: Psalm 37:1-7

I had lunch with a man who was rising to the top of his profession but whose job was in turmoil. His superiors didn't appreciate his contribution to the firm—even though he was far and away their top producer. Every day was a battle.

But he looked so relaxed. How did he do it?

As we ate lunch, he said, "Pastor, I've been pushing and pushing and pushing. Trying to fix things up. Trying to make a better deal. Holding all my cards, dealing them out one by one. It hasn't worked. A few days ago the Lord finally said to me, 'Why don't you let Me take over?' So I did. I told Him He could take over. Nothing has changed at the office. They're going to make things miserable for me. But that doesn't matter. I've given it all to the Lord. So I don't have to figure out all the details of my future. I'm going to relax now."

As we walked back to his car, my friend said, "Every day I pray this simple prayer, 'Your will be done.'" Praying that way means giving up control of your life. But that doesn't mean your life will go out of control. It just means that your life is surrendered to God's control. No wonder my friend had a smile on his face.

—Ray Pritchard in Beyond All You Could Ask or Think

My Response: Have I ever deliberately asked God to take over my life?

Thought to Apply: Trust involves letting go and knowing God will catch you.—JAMES DOBSON (psychologist, social activist)

Adapted from Beyond All You Could Ask or Think (Moody, 2004) by permission.

Prayer for the Week

Forgive me for calling you Lord and then trying to run things as if You weren't in charge.

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