My Life Is Not My Own

LORD, I know that people’s lives are not their own;
    it is not for them to direct their steps.
Discipline me, Lord, but only in due measure—
    not in your anger,
    or you will reduce me to nothing.

—Jeremiah 10:23-24 (NIV)

Heavenly Father,

Help me to remember that my life is not my own and that, as I freely submit my will to Yours, I can trust that it is Your hand that directs my steps—no matter what plans I may make.

I know that I owe my life to Jesus Christ—the One who died for me that I might live for Him.

Help me to remember that I was not put here to direct my own steps and carry out my own plans—plans that are short-sighted and impurely motivated.

For I know from experience, when I choose to go my own way, my feet always seem to travel to those places that hold darkness, death and destruction—rather than life, joy and peace.

So correct me when I try to take control over my life—when I behave as if I know better than You what is best for me.

But only discipline me as You must—not out of Your anger, but patiently, gently and justly—in order to set me on the right course once again.

Thank You that Your anger with me will never exceed Your unfailing love for me—nor will it surpass the mercy and grace that that You pour over me each and every day—for I know that if it did, I would be reduced to nothing. I would surely die.

Help me to remember that my life is not my own and that, as I freely submit my will to Yours, I can trust that it is Your hand that directs my steps—no matter what plans I may make.

In the name of Jesus, Amen.