What’s Controlling You?

 Matthew 12:22 – “Then a demon-oppressed man who was blind and mute was brought to him, and he healed him, so that the man spoke and saw.”

When Jesus met a man under demonic control, that man couldn’t see or speak. His life was literally in darkness and silence – but Jesus’ power brought freedom and wholeness. The same Jesus who freed that man can free us today. While demons may not always show themselves the same way now, many things quietly take control of our hearts and minds.

For some, it’s alcohol or drugs, promising excitement but leaving emptiness and regret. For others, it’s the addiction to screens – scrolling endlessly through social media, chasing likes, comparing ourselves, or escaping reality. Our minds become enslaved by technology that learns our habits and shapes our thoughts more than God’s Word. Some are possessed by pride, obsessed with popularity, or consumed with fear of missing out. Others are captives to anger, lust, or anxiety, unable to see life clearly because something else is ruling within.

The truth is, whatever controls us possesses us. The one thing we focus on becomes the thing that forms us. As one writer said, “We become what we behold.” When we behold Jesus—when He becomes our focus—He restores our sight and frees our voice. He opens our eyes to truth and gives us boldness to speak life.

Every day, we face a choice. We either surrender to the voice of the world or surrender to the voice of Christ. Surrendering to Jesus doesn’t mean giving up—it means gaining freedom. It’s inviting Him to take control of the areas where sin, screens, or stress have taken over. His Spirit replaces confusion with peace, emptiness with joy, and brokenness with purpose.

Reflections

  1. What tends to control your thoughts and emotions the most lately?
  2. How can you create space daily to “behold” Jesus through prayer, worship, or Scripture?
  3. What’s one thing you need to surrender to God this week?
Prayer
“Jesus, sometimes I don’t even realize what controls me. Please open my eyes to see what’s keeping me from You. Take over every part of my life—my habits, my phone time, my thoughts—and fill me with Your Spirit. Free me to live fully for You. Amen.”

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