Balance and Focus: You Can't Control It 

Living Free Every Day®
A ministry of LivingFree.org

Today's Scripture
"With all your heart you must trust the LORD and not your own judgment. Always let him lead you, and he will clear the road for you to follow. Don't ever think that you are wise enough." Proverbs 3:5-7 CEV

Thoughts for Today
In thinking about our loved one's life-controlling problems, we must realize that we can't cure it, we can’t control it, and we didn’t cause it. 

No matter how much we may want to, we cannot control our loved one's behavior.

It is common for codependents to feel a need to control their loved one's problem by covering up for them or keeping them out of trouble. Trying to control through manipulation, domination, and guilt only leads to a greater loss of energy.

We need to understand that we cannot fix our loved one--instead, we should let go of trying to play God. Accepting the fact of powerlessness over our loved one is the first step toward recovery from codependence.

Consider this …
If you are trying to control a loved one's behavior, consider today's scripture. God tells us to trust Him and not ourselves. When we try to "fix" or control or manipulate, we are interfering with God's plan. Turn to Jesus. Turn to prayer. And then trust Him to give you wisdom. Trust Him to deliver your loved one.

Prayer
Father, I am weary from trying to figure this out on my own, from trying to control my loved one's behavior. And it isn't doing any good. In fact, things seem to be getting worse. Help me to trust You and not my own judgment. In Jesus' name …

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©Living Free 2020. 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 info@LivingFree.org