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Psalm 37:5 Devotional: What to Do When You Feel Tired from Trying to Control Everything
I say I trust God, but sometimes my actions tell a different story.
I find myself falling into this pattern more often than I’d like to admit. I’ll tell God that I trust Him with every single area of my life, but the moment something matters so much to me… I immediately start looking for ways to achieve the outcome I desire.
I plan, research, overanalyze… and try to work my way forward. Before I even realize it, my mind is already running miles ahead of where I am.
There’s nothing wrong with being intentional or working hard with the gifts God has entrusted to us. He calls us to be good stewards. But I’m learning that there’s a difference between being faithful with what’s in our hands… and carrying the exhausting burden of feeling responsible for how everything turns out.
Leaving Room for Living Water
Sometimes, we would do well if we took a step back… pause… and remember that God has already gone before us and will make straight our paths.
May His Words in Psalm 37:5 bring comfort to you:
“Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.”
We can bring Him our rough plans, our little beginnings, our big ideas, and even the fears that things won’t work out. We can ask for His wisdom, take the single next step in faith, and then consciously step back… leaving room for Him to make a way forward.
That is where His peace starts to flow back into our lives. When we stop stressing over every detail, we make space to experience His presence and rest right here in the now. You can pursue the things that matter to you with passion, but involve God in the process. Let Him into the small decisions, the work-in-progress, and the ordinary moments in between.
Behind the Art: Living Water for the Journey
When I deciding on the elements of this artwork, I wanted to depict the refreshing, thirst-quenching peace that comes when we finally stop striving. Using a mixed-media torn paper collage aesthetic, this artwork frames the encouraging faith quote “trust God in everything” in cute, playful retro-inspired bubble hand-lettering.
The vintage-inspired illustrations feature sweet, cozy elements… a takeaway drink, an open Bible, a shooting star, a piece of wrapped candy, and heart-shaped matchsticks.
The cup of living water is inspired by Jesus’ promise that when we come to Him and focus on Him, we don’t have to keep drinking from the dry wells of our cares and anxieties. In Him, we have all that we need. When you feel drained from overthinking anything, His Word is an endless, fresh cup of peace ready to refill your soul.
You Don’t Have to Work Out Your Future
If you are currently in a season of making big plans, waiting for answers, or wondering how everything will eventually come together, let this be your reassurance today: You don’t have to stress about what lies ahead.
Do what is yours to do today with His peace in your heart, hand the weight of the future over to your Heavenly Father, and let Him guide your steps forward.
A Simple Reflection for Your Day
- What is one thing on your heart or mind that you’ve been struggling to let go of?
- Look at the “Living Water” cup in the artwork… will you pause now, and “take a sip” of God’s peace by handing whatever’s weighing you down back to Him in prayer?
FAQ: Learning to Commit Your Way to God
What does “commit your way to the Lord” mean in Psalm 37:5?
The word “commit” in Hebrew literally means to “roll over.” It’s like rolling a heavy weight off your own shoulders and onto someone stronger. I think this means doing your best with your daily tasks, but constantly rolling the emotional weight and ultimate success of those tasks over to God through daily prayer.
How do I know if I’m being diligent or I’m trying to control the outcome?
I think diligence looks like us working unto the Lord, and being open to His promptings. Even if plans change, we stay focused on the Lord, trusting Him to still lead us forward. On the other hand, being controlling looks like us working hard out of fear, causing anxiety, overthinking, and frustration when things don’t go according to plan.
How can I stop my mind from overthinking the future?
When you catch your thoughts racing into the next day, week, or even the next year, practice bringing your focus back to today’s daily bread. Ask God: What’s the one important thing I should focus on in the here and now? And tell Him about the things on your heart, the cares you can’t let go off. Write them down, and the date that you chose to surrender them into His loving hands. Keep this as a visual reminder that you’ve chosen to trust the Lord in these areas. Linger in His presence awhile longer, and allow His peace to fall afresh on you.
Refilled by His Peace
You don’t have to carry the pressure of working out your future. Do your part with joy, leave room for God to work His wonders, and drink from the peace He provides today. You are loved. You are guided. And your life’s journey is safe in His hands.
— Nicole
A Little Invitation
If you’ve been feeling mentally drained from trying to map out every step of your future on your own, I share creative reflections and simple journal prompts in my free studio letter. It’s a little cozy space where we learn to trade striving for His living water through Scripture and art. You’re welcome to join us below!
