Josh Garrels - Control Lyrics

Control

Control Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration

Released on October 13, 2015, Josh Garrels' song "Control" immediately invites contemplation on one of the most profound human struggles: the relentless desire to manage every outcome in life and the anxiety that breeds. The track delves deep into the tension between our innate need for security, often sought through grasping for control, and the spiritual imperative to surrender that very control to a higher power. Garrels navigates the internal landscape of worry, depicting the burden carried when we attempt to orchestrate our own destinies, meticulously planning and safeguarding against every perceived threat. It speaks to the weariness that comes from this ceaseless effort, a recognition that our strength and understanding are inherently limited in the face of life's unpredictable currents.

The core message of the song powerfully echoes the biblical call to trust completely in God. It captures the essence of Jesus' teaching in Matthew 6:25-34, where He instructs us not to worry about our lives, what we will eat or wear, because our heavenly Father knows our needs and cares for us, much like He cares for the birds of the air and the lilies of the field. This passage directly confronts the anxieties that the song portrays, offering a divine alternative to self-reliance: seeking God's kingdom and righteousness first, with the promise that all these things will be added unto us. "Control" feels like a musical unpacking of this truth, presenting the difficult yet ultimately freeing process of releasing our grip on the reins of our lives and placing them in the hands of the One who holds all things together.

Furthermore, the song resonates with the wisdom found in Proverbs 3:5-6, which urges us to "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." The very act of seeking "control" is often an act of leaning heavily on our limited understanding and capability. Garrels' musical expression of this struggle and the subsequent yearning for peace underscores the depth of this scriptural principle. The song presents surrender not as defeat, but as the truest path to freedom and peace, a sentiment beautifully articulated in Philippians 4:6-7, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." This peace that surpasses understanding is precisely what the soul craves when it is weary of trying to control the uncontrollable, and the song offers a musical space to connect with that craving and the promise of its fulfillment in faith.

The musical arrangement itself contributes significantly to the song's impact. Without resorting to overly dramatic flair, it builds with an earnest intensity that mirrors the internal wrestling match it describes. There’s a sense of gentle unfolding, perhaps suggesting the gradual process of letting go and finding solace. The instrumentation and Garrels' vocal delivery carry a vulnerability that makes the theme deeply relatable; anyone who has ever faced uncertainty or tried desperately to manage a difficult situation will find a piece of their own journey reflected here. The song’s atmosphere cultivates a feeling of introspection, leading one to confront their own anxieties and the places where they resist yielding to divine providence. It’s a soundscape conducive to honest self-assessment and prayerful reflection on casting our cares upon God, knowing that He cares for us, as encouraged in 1 Peter 5:7. Ultimately, "Control" serves as a poignant musical reminder that true security and peace are not found in our ability to manage life perfectly, but in the courageous act of placing our trust fully in the One who is sovereign over all, finding rest in the knowledge that His plans for us are for welfare and hope, as promised in Jeremiah 29:11. It’s a call to stillness in the face of chaos, echoing Psalm 46:10: "Be still, and know that I am God."