I was taking a month-long class in Ecuador. We traveled around the beautiful country- even into the Amazon rainforest. There, a few monkeys determined to do what non-cartoon monkeys in tourist traps do: harass people.

The agile creatures stole anything loose they could grab. We tried to ask how to get our stuff back. A tour guide laughed. No one owned those monkeys. No one controlled them. He suggested we try trading goods with the animals.

In the end, he might as well have said this favorite phrase of mine:

“Not my circus, not my monkeys.”

I’d love to give credit to the person who created this phrase, but I haven’t figured out where I first heard it. Regardless, this lighthearted idiom makes a big difference when I get heavyhearted about what’s out of my control.

We all deal with monkeys that aren’t ours to control:

  • Other people’s actions and attitudes
  • Natural consequences
  • People’s perceptions of us

Plus, we all cycle through circuses that just can’t be controlled:

  • Circumstances like weather or health
  • Unexpected things and unknowns
  • Timing

God’s will and plans make both these lists, too.

[bctt tweet=”There’s a lot outside of our control, isn’t there? Praise the Lord!” username=”PatHolbrook”]

Praise the Lord (even you fellow control freaks holding your breath right now.)

  1. God does not hold us accountable for things we aren’t responsible for

  2. God’s grace is enough to work those monkeys and circuses for good

  3. God is sovereign over all the monkeys, circuses, and you know- Even us.

“He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” –Colossians 1:17

When we feel like something is just plain out-of-control, we need to remember the truth. These isn’t a thing out of God’s knowledge or reach. Even the things He seems to have “lost” (like that apple Eve bit into,) are included in His “all.”

All things work together for good. All God’s plans are accomplished. All is fit into His purposes. Even the wild and wily.

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” –1 Peter 5:6-7

The second verse- cast your cares- is popular. But sometimes we forget what comes before it: humility. Part of surrendering control is being willing to say “I need help” and “that’s not mine.” If it’s not our circus and not our monkey, we can stop trying to take responsibility for it.

It’s tough when we care a lot to let go of what isn’t ours to manage- but that’s part of “cast your cares!”

Let’s praise the Lord of ALL today. What’s one thing you’re thankful isn’t your responsibility?


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[bctt tweet=”LINKUP party is open! @BethanyMcIlrath invites us to humbly admit that certain things are not ours to control. JOIN US and share your blog with our audience!” username=”PatHolbrook”]


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