God’s Circles of Responsibility: Trusting God’s Sovereign Care in Your Life

COUNSELOR’S TOOLBOX

At times, we are concerned about things that are completely out of our hands. You see, God has placed each of us at the center of the responsibilities He has entrusted to us. Rather than calling us to carry the weight of the whole world, or even interfere with other’s lives, making them less capable, He asks us to faithfully steward the people, opportunities, and assignments He has placed directly in our care. When we understand our God-given responsibilities, we experience greater peace, purpose, and freedom from unnecessary anxiety. And we become more responsible for our own lives.

Imagine your life as a series of concentric circles and list what concerns you in the tool above.

• Center Circle – My God-Given Responsibilities
  • My relationship with God.
  • My character and choices.
  • My family commitments.
  • My work and daily responsibilities.
  • My stewardship of time and resources.

• Second Circle – My Influence
  • People I can positively influence.
  • Living out my responsibilities as an example of God’s grace.
  • My influence through encouragement and obedience.
  • Trusting God while fulfilling my own calling.

• Outer Circle – My Concerns
  • World events and issues beyond my control.
  • Matters outside my personal responsibility.
  • Praying and responding wisely, without carrying unnecessary burdens.
  • Focusing on my responsibilities frees me to do God’s work.

Read Psalm 8 “How Majestic is Your Name” and Take a few moments to reflect:

“When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet…”. (vs. 3-6).

What concerns occupy your mind that are truly outside your control?

Write them down. Then consciously place them into God’s hands, acknowledging that His wisdom, power, and providence far exceed your own.

Read Psalm 9, Extract who God is and who are you, list them then ask God, “what is my just cause?” (vs.4). Is this your responsibility or another’s? It could be your just cause.

Now write out Prayers that can assist your growth:

Fill in the Blank, Prayer to get you started with what is your responsibility and What I need to trust God in and for:

Heavenly Father, I surrender ___________ and every burden that is beyond my control. Teach me to faithfully carry only the responsibilities You have given me and to trust Your sovereign care over everything else. Amen.

Think: What do I need more Confidence in:

Lord, strengthen my confidence in  ___________ and that You rule over all the earth. Even when circumstances seem uncertain, remind me that You are working according to Your perfect wisdom and unfailing love. Help me rest in Your providence today. Amen.

Pray in Faithfulness:

Father, help me be faithful in the center of my circle of my God-given responsibility. May my life influence others through humility, love, and obedience, while I leave the outcomes in Your capable hands. I trust You to accomplish what only You can do while working in me. Amen