Today we will talk about Bible verses about control. Control can often feel like a challenging concept in our spiritual journey. We may struggle with wanting to take the reins of our lives but need to remember that true control rests in God’s hands. These verses will guide us in understanding how to relinquish our desire for control and trust God’s plan for us. As we explore each verse, let’s meditate on how we can release our worries and lean more into the peace that comes from surrendering our control to God.
Bible Verses About Control
Giving Up Control
In our journey of faith, we often find ourselves grappling with the idea of control. We might feel as if managing our lives is our sole responsibility. However, the Bible teaches us that surrendering control to God is the ultimate source of peace and empowerment. By giving up control, we make space for God’s will in our lives, allowing Him to guide us on our paths. It’s a comfort to realize that He knows what is best for us, and in trusting Him, we find the freedom that comes from releasing our burdens and embracing His grace.
Proverbs 3:5-6
“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
Philippians 4:6-7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7
Matthew 11:28
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28
1 Peter 5:7
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7
Isaiah 41:10
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10
Finding Peace in Surrender
When we surrender control, we embrace a profound peace that comes from reliance on God. Surrendering takes trust, but it paves the way for a serene heart and mind. It means recognizing that we don’t have to figure everything out on our own; instead, we can lean into God’s love and direction. In these moments, we can experience a tranquility that surpasses understanding. Grab hold of these biblical affirmations to remind us of the peace that floods our souls when we let go of what we cannot control and yield to God’s care.
John 14:27
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” – John 14:27
Colossians 3:2
“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” – Colossians 3:2
Romans 15:13
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 15:13
Psalm 46:10
“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” – Psalm 46:10
Psalm 34:14
“Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” – Psalm 34:14
Trusting God’s Plan
As we navigate life, challenges arise that often lead us to grasp for control. Yet, it is vital to understand that trusting God’s plan is a powerful antidote to anxiety. By relinquishing our maps and allowing God to be our guide, we embrace a journey marked by faith and joy. Trust opens the door to realizing that God orchestrates every event for our benefit and His glory. Let’s embrace this trust as we reflect on the scriptures focusing on this beautiful concept.
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11
Proverbs 16:9
“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” – Proverbs 16:9
Romans 8:28
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28
Psalm 37:5
“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this.” – Psalm 37:5
Isaiah 30:21
“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.'” – Isaiah 30:21
Control Over Emotions
In our lives, we encounter situations that may trigger a variety of emotions, from joy to frustration. It becomes vital for us to exercise control over our emotional responses. Scripture encourages us to handle these emotions in a way that honors God and brings us peace. By fostering healthy responses, we create an environment where love and understanding can thrive. Let’s explore the Word that reminds us of the importance of emotional control as we engage with the verses below.
James 1:19-20
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” – James 1:19-20
Proverbs 14:29
“Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.” – Proverbs 14:29
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” – Galatians 5:22-23
Philippians 4:8
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” – Philippians 4:8
Proverbs 25:28
“Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.” – Proverbs 25:28
Control Over Thoughts
Our thought life is where many battles are won or lost. We can easily spiral into negativity or fear, which can lead to a lack of control over our minds. However, the Bible encourages us to manage our thoughts and align them with God’s truth. This means we can choose to meditate on what is good, pure, and lovely, allowing us to cultivate a healthy and positive mindset. Let’s explore the scriptures that teach us about controlling our thoughts.
2 Corinthians 10:5
“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” – 2 Corinthians 10:5
Isaiah 26:3
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” – Isaiah 26:3
Romans 12:2
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” – Romans 12:2
Philippians 4:7
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:7
Colossians 2:8
“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.” – Colossians 2:8
Control Over Actions
Our actions reflect our inner control and composure. The Bible encourages us to act with intention and to be guided by faith. By taking control over our actions, we can live in a manner that is pleasing to God and serves those around us. It’s about aligning our behaviors with our beliefs, ensuring that our actions testify of our faith. Let’s dive into the Word and discover verses that inspire us to take this control over our actions.
1 Corinthians 10:31
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31
Galatians 6:9
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9
Ephesians 4:1
“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.” – Ephesians 4:1
Colossians 3:23-24
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.” – Colossians 3:23-24
Matthew 5:16
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16
Control Through Prayer
Prayer is a very powerful tool for exercising control in our lives. When we bring our anxieties to God in prayer, we hand over our worries and allow His peace to fill our hearts. It is in these quiet moments of communion with God that we receive clarity, direction, and comfort. Let’s take a closer look at the scriptures that emphasize the significance of prayer in our quest for control and peace.
Luke 18:1
“Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.” – Luke 18:1
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Matthew 21:22
“If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” – Matthew 21:22
Jeremiah 33:3
“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” – Jeremiah 33:3
Philippians 1:4
“In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy.” – Philippians 1:4
Letting Go of Past Control
To move forward, we need to let go of past control, which can weigh us down and hinder our growth. We may find ourselves clinging to past experiences, perhaps trying to control them long after they have happened. But the Bible assures us that God is a God of renewal and transformation. Let’s reflect on what scripture says about releasing our grip on the past and embracing the future God has planned for us.
Isaiah 43:18-19
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” – Isaiah 43:18-19
Philippians 3:13-14
“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 3:13-14
2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17
Matthew 6:34
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” – Matthew 6:34
Luke 9:62
“Jesus replied, ‘No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.'” – Luke 9:62
Control Over Relationships
Our relationships play a significant role in our lives, and controlling these dynamics can feel overwhelming at times. The Bible teaches us to foster healthy relationships grounded in love and respect. Rather than trying to control others, we are called to communicate effectively and show genuine compassion. By keeping our focus on God and serving others, we find that our connections become a source of joy. Let’s explore the teachings of scripture regarding control in our relationships.
Ephesians 4:2-3
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” – Ephesians 4:2-3
1 Corinthians 13:4-5
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” – 1 Corinthians 13:4-5
Romans 12:10
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” – Romans 12:10
Colossians 3:13
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” – Colossians 3:13
Proverbs 27:17
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17
Final Thoughts
In our exploration of Bible verses about control, we’ve learned so much about the beauty of surrendering to God. It’s a challenge that we all face — the desire to hold onto things ourselves. But through trust, prayer, and love, we can find peace. By aligning our thoughts and actions with God’s will, we release the shackles of anxiety and embrace the life of joy and fulfillment He promises.
Each verse speaks wisdom into our lives, offering guidance and comfort in managing our emotions, thoughts, and relationships. As we continue to seek God’s control in our lives, let us embrace the gentle reminder that He is in charge, and we can find rest and strength in His hands.
Let’s strive daily to relinquish our desire for control, engaging deeply in prayer and trusting the journey God has for each of us. Together, we can build a faith that inspires us and those around us to grow in love and grace.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4
Bible Commentary, Blog
30 Important bible verses about selflessness (With Explanation)