FROM CONTROL TO INTIMACY: TRUSTING JESUS
Thursday, August 9, 2018
Living Free Every Day®
A ministry of LivingFree.org
Today's Scripture
"O LORD, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, LORD."
Thoughts for Today
Because of past hurts, you may have a need to control everything about your life. You may walk in fear of being hurt again if you are not in control. You fear change. You have built walls that keep you from intimacy - with God and with others.
If you want to let go of these fears . . . to overcome the past and move into a brighter future . . . the first step is to start trusting Jesus and open up to him. Tell him how you feel and ask for his help. He already knows everything about you, so there are no surprises. He loves you despite your flaws and failings. He loves you so much, he went to the cross for you. You can trust him totally. Whatever happens around you, he will always be there for you.
Consider this …
Jesus knows you. Everything about you. And yet he loves you - unconditionally. Nothing can separate you from his love. He has a good plan and purpose for your life, and he has equipped you to fulfill that purpose. But you can only do so if you are willing to trust him. To do things his way. To let him be in control.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT
Prayer
Father, thank you for your unconditional love. Thank you for Jesus. Thank you for loving me even though you know everything about me. Help me turn the reins of my life over to you - completely. Forgive me for always trying to do things my way, to control everything around me. Take away my fears and anxieties and help me trust in you with all my heart.
In Jesus' name . . .
These thoughts were drawn from …Restoring Families: Overcoming Abusive Relationships through Christ by Janet M. Lerner, D.S.W. This study helps to minister to families caught in the cycle of abusive relationships. The curriculum deals with overcoming these abusive relationships through Christ and is recommended for use in support groups and Christian counseling.
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Ministers to families from abusive relationships
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Ministers to victims of family violence
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Deals with wounded emotions
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Deals with control and intimacy issues
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Presents a strong message of Christ as healer of abusive relationships
Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups, and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.
©Living Free 2018. Living Free is a registered trademark. Living Free Every Day® devotionals may be reproduced for personal use. When reproduced to share with others, please acknowledge the source as Living Free, Chattanooga, TN, www.LivingFree.org. Must have written permission to use in any format to be sold. Permission may be requested by sending an e-mail to [email protected]
PO Box 22127 ~ Chattanooga, Tennessee 37421 ~ 423-899-4770
©Living Free 2018. Living Free is a registered trademark. Living Free Every Day® devotionals may be reproduced for personal use. When reproduced to share with others, please acknowledge the source as Living Free, Chattanooga, TN, www.LivingFree.org. Must have written permission to use in any format to be sold. Permission may be requested by sending an e-mail to [email protected]
