The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? —Jeremiah 17:9
We need guidance
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways submit to him and he will make your paths straight. —Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
We need protection
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. —Psalm 46:1
We need wisdom
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. —James 1:5
The greatest danger in your life is not outside of you, but inside of you.
The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? —Jeremiah 17:9
And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules. —Ezekiel 36:26-27
Take home truth
The goal in our relationships is not control of behavior, but heart and life-change.
Study Guide
- When you are not in control, what emotions come to the surface?
- Why do we all struggle with control? What do you think is the root issue beneath the need for control?
- Even if you could control your children, spouse, parent, or any other relationship, why would this still not be enough?
PRINCIPLE TO PROCESS
The goal in our relationships is not control of behavior, but rather heart and life-change.