The illusion of control ∙∙

The illusion of control ∙∙

For everything, there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. – Ecclesiastes 3:1

Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell me if you know so much. – Job 38:4

Job 42:2-6

1 Then Job answered the LORD and said:
2 “I know that you can do all things and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.
3 ‘Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?’ Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.
4 ‘Hear, and I will speak; I will question you, and you make it known to me.’
5 I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you;
6 therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes.”

The Illusion of Control

Humans often cling to the belief that they can control or at least influence outcomes that are clearly beyond their grasp. One vivid example is the lottery. Many think that choosing their own numbers somehow grants them more control over the result than if they accepted randomly assigned ones. This false perception of control feels reassuring, even when it defies logic.

The Research Behind the Illusion

Psychologist Ellen Langer identified and studied this phenomenon in 1975, calling it the “Illusion of Control.” Her experiments revealed that people were more likely to behave as if they had control when tasks or events appeared to involve personal skill or experience, even when no real influence was possible. The effect has been observed countless times, consistently showing how deeply this illusion is embedded in human behavior.

The question that needs to be asked is, Why? But why do rational, well-meaning individuals regularly deceive themselves in this way? What lies at the heart of this tendency to pretend we have control?

The Search for Security

Could it be for many that the illusion of control stems from a longing for security? People crave predictability, personal peace, and safety, often constructing rigid boundaries in an attempt to feel at ease within their comfort zones. The idea of relinquishing control feels foreign to some—maybe even terrifying. Words like “surrender” and “flexibility” aren’t part of their vocabulary. When the unpredictable inevitably enters their carefully defined world, panic often follows.

A Better Way Forward

Instead of clinging to illusions, we are called to trust the wisdom and sovereignty of the Father. Flexibility and calm acceptance of His will bring peace where rigid control cannot. When we face the truth and humbly admit, “I have no control over this,” we can redirect our energy toward things that truly matter— issues we can influence (Sandra Sanger).

Recognizing the Father’s love and omniscience invites us to release the illusion of control. With deliberate and conscious submission, we can trust Him with the things we cannot control, resting securely in His perfect plan. Every day, we have the chance to purposefully choose trust, knowing His heart and mind are steadfastly loyal to each of His children.

Trusting the Sovereign Lord

The Lord Jesus Christ once addressed the city of Capernaum, saying, “For if the miracles I did for you had been done in wicked Sodom, it would still be here today” (Matthew 11:23). This striking statement emphasizes that Sodom, known as the “sin city” of ancient Canaan, represented the height of debauchery and rebellion, and might have repented had it witnessed His power. However, that opportunity was never afforded.

The lesson is clear—God alone is Sovereign. He knows the details of every event, the unspoken permutations and possibilities of what could have been, and the reasons behind His ultimate choices. We might struggle to comprehend it, but His wisdom surpasses all understanding.

Resting in His Sovereignty

The “Illusion of Control” fades when we fully acknowledge the Father’s authority over all things. Surrender isn’t about loss—it’s about freedom. True peace is found in trusting His knowledge, love, and power. We don’t have to live in a frenzied struggle to control life’s outcomes. Instead, we can rest in the secure and loving arms of the One who knows all and chooses what is best.

You, too, can purposely choose to relinquish the need to control and submit to the One who never fails.

REFLECT & PRAY

Who is in Control? Lord God omnipotent reigns! (Revelation 19:16).

Father, I know my understanding is limited, and my questions often feel endless. Help me to accept Your eternal wisdom, to trust in Your sovereign control, and to find peace in Your perfect will.

INSIGHT

When we are in the midst of difficulties or hardship, and our world seems to be collapsing, and our hopes and expectations are dashed, when we are disappointed and sad, when we are betrayed, let down, or abandoned, the Father is still in control.

The fact that we are given the ability to make free moral choices provides us with control over a smidgen of what happens in our lives. This contributes to the illusion of control. Each morning, we make conscious decisions about what clothes we wear. None of us doubt that. But at the same time, somehow, in the eternal and infinite mind of God, He has made the same choices before the foundation of the world.

We have the right and are encouraged to ask the Father tough questions. We can do this out of curiosity and wonder but not out of disillusionment, pride, or arrogance. The Father often answers our queries with probing challenges of His own. This is precisely what transpired between Job and the Father.

Job 38:4 Where were you [Job] when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell Me if you have understanding.

The Father rules in the affairs of men. Napoleon lost his final battle at Waterloo and lost his empire. Years later, in exile on the island of St. Helena, chastened and humbled, Napoleon is reported to have quoted the words of Thomas a Kempis: “Man proposes; God disposes.”

This is the lesson with which history confronts us all. The Father is able to work His sovereign will – despite man. It is like holding onto a water balloon. The more tightly you grasp it, the more likely it is to burst.

The Father is sovereign! He is the King of the universe. His rule and authority are all-encompassing. The Father has unlimited power. He has sovereign control over the affairs of nature, man, and history. He has created all things. He has made the earth and all of its environs. He has created all of the life forms which occupy them.

He is the creator God and, as such, rules over all of His creation. He is the King of kings and the Lord of lords.

Revelation 19:16 Hallelujah for the Lord God omnipotent reigns.

God is sovereign, and He is in complete control. Sometimes, He delegates leadership responsibility and its consequent control to others. But He can take it back at any time. Human control is delegated control. Human control is transitory and illusionary.

Two young girls were talking, and one said she had ten pennies. The other girl looked at her hand and only saw five. She said, “You only have five pennies.”
The first girl replied, “I have five, and my father told me he would give me five more tonight. So I have ten.”

She understood that her father’s promise was as good as done (Green).

1 Peter 5:6-7

6 So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor.
7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

¯_(ツ)_/¯5-15-3

© Dr. H 2025