Lies Men Believe About Themselves

Our culture celebrates independence, self-rule, and personal control. Men are often encouraged to believe that their future is shaped entirely by their own choices, strength, and determination. While responsibility certainly matters, this mindset can quietly replace trust in God with confidence in self.

But Scripture teaches something very different.

God — not man — is sovereign over life.

The Bible reminds us:

“The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD.”
(Psalm 37:23, KJV)

We may make plans, but it is God who directs outcomes:

“A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.”
(Proverbs 16:9, KJV)

The Danger of the Illusion of Control

The belief that we are in total control of our lives often leads to pride when things go well — and despair when they do not. Many men carry the burden of feeling like everything depends on them, and when life doesn’t go according to plan, they are crushed by the weight of disappointment.

True peace does not come from self-mastery. It comes from surrender.

James warns us against boasting about tomorrow, reminding us how fragile life really is:

“For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.”
(James 4:14, KJV)

Christ Calls Us to Follow, Not Control

Jesus does not call men to chart their own destiny. He calls us to follow Him.

“If any man will come after me, let him deny himself…”
(Matthew 16:24, KJV)

When we submit our lives to God’s will, we discover something powerful: His plans are wiser, kinder, and more secure than our own.

The Truth

God is the Master of our destiny.

Daily submitting ourselves to Him brings joy, purpose, and true riches — not always in the ways we expect, but always in the ways we need.

Truth to Live By

We are not the masters of our destiny — God is. Freedom is not found in control, but in trusting the One who orders our steps.

Think About It

• How would you define the word submission?

• In what situations is submission a good idea?

• When is it a bad idea?

• When is it hardest for you to submit to God?

A Closing Encouragement

If you have been living under the pressure of trying to control everything, let today be the day you release that burden. God has never asked you to carry the weight of your future alone.

Let go of control. Trust the God who holds your future.