The Enigma of Control

Self-reliance. Independence. Mistrust. Control. If I have learned anything during this time of quarantine at all, it might just be that I identify with these aforementioned characteristics just a little bit more than I would normally like to admit. As a leader, I certainly identify with these character traits - some of which probably (ironically) led me to the leadership position I hold today. I am self-reliant. I can function independently. I don't wait for things to happen, but I foresee what needs to be done now to influence outcomes in the future. I don't describe myself as controlling, but I can see that I most definitely have done my best to lead giving the perception of control. Because, most of the time, I (gasp!) believe I have it.

Enter COVID-19. I am still trying to wrap my brain around how a tiny, minuscule virus can come around and completely obliterate all of our defense mechanisms in one brash swoop. I didn't even have time to challenge the diminutive, pygmy thing! Just like that, all sense of control was lost. I no longer contemplated my fellow human beings through a trusting lens, but rather one of suspicion and even disdain. This wasn't a great time for travel to evoke empathy from me, folks. Instead, it was one of instantaneous fear and utter and complete dependence on God. 

Newsflash. Unfortunately, as it turns out, I really don't like to trust God. I say I do, but ladies and gentlemen, my daily actions do not demonstrate the implicit level of trust in Him that I would like them to. It's still pretty much the Jess Aless show down here on Earth. Smh. Hand-to-the-face emoji. #needaquarantini Ugh.

All joking aside, however, I can see why it might be so easy to spin into an unhealthy spiral of angst, boredom, self-loathing, depression and utter despair if we aren't careful to turn upwards and then turn inwards in a hurry. And it has to be in that order, folks. We can't just simply go it alone like before. There is soulwork to be done! I think, just maybe, this quarantine might be a means for us to accomplish just that. 

So, for those of us who have gotten very good at exhibiting 21st-century praiseworthy traits (self-reliance, independence, forward-thinking and control), what do we do now that we suddenly find ourselves in positions that are completely and utterly out of our control? How do we give it back to God? How do we allow our actions to affirm and exhibit that God really is in control? How do we live in a way that affirms this for those around us every day?
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It isn't easy to let go of character traits that society has reinforced and applauded us for achieving over the years. What we are undergoing is truly a time of personal transformation led by a paradigm shift. 

​Creating Sacred Rhythms During Quarantine

​It isn't easy to let go of character traits that society has reinforced and applauded us for achieving over the years. What we are undergoing is truly a time of personal transformation led by a paradigm shift. It isn't independence that we should be applauding, but interdependence. In other words, it's dependence on God. It isn't self-reliance that we should celebrate, but God-reliance. We don't like to trust in someone or something greater than ourselves, but now, it's the only way. And we certainly don't like to give up control. 

So, how do we facilitate such an overwhelming transformation? How do we use this time God's given us to put in the work? Here are some ways to establish sacred daily rhythms that support the transformative soul work God is calling us to do:

1. Find ways to affirm God's control in our lives. We can only affirm what we know to be true. Thus, we must build rhythms into our daily routines that allow us to know God in a deeper, more intimate way than ever before. This could mean starting a Bible study through the YouVersion app and spending time in the Word before submitting to your phone each morning. It could be listening to Pray as you Go as you get ready to transition to work each morning. It could be honoring the rhythmic prayer cycles of The Common Rule. The more we seek to understand the almighty power of God in our lives, the more we can affirm that He is in control. 
2. Get outside. I am a firm believer that God will speak to us through nature if we take the simple step to notice what we're noticing. I have a hard time coming in from a walk and not having my attitude adjusted in some small way. God speaks to me through the variety of colors blooming out in the desert spring, and in the whisper of the cool breeze after a sweaty walk. He speaks to me out of the cloudless sky and in the squish of my shoes against the hot pavement. Walk it out. God will you meet you there.
3. Pray. When you're happy. When you're scared. When you're frustrated. When you're bored. When you don't know what you are. Pray in the morning. Pray at lunch. Pray at the peak of the day. Pray in the shower. Pray before bed. God longs to hear from you. And you need to draw near to Him. It doesn't have to be poetic. Just whisper, "God I need you." That will be enough. 

I think, in many ways, that anxiety and fear and restlessness and hopelessness are going to be unavoidable in our lives as the length of this quarantine stretches out into the foreseeable horizon of our souls. Although these emotions are unavoidable, their quantity is optional. If only we can hand them over to God.

Linger a Little Longer:

1. What sacred daily rhythm (from above or elsewhere) can you commit to in order to help you give over your self-reliance or need for control? What does that look like in your new daily routine?
2. How can you commit to spending time with God in unique capacities during this time of quarantine? Where can you allow him to meet you that you haven't considered before?
3. Consider how affirming God's control in your life looks in your daily actions. How do these actions affirm God's control for others?