Comfort in Control

I'm reading Adam Hamilton's book, Half Truths.  In the chapter, "Everything Happens for a Reason," he writes this about why it is comforting to some to assume that God is in control of everything:

"In a world where there is much uncertainty, where doubt and questioning are such a prominent part of life, one reaction is a retreat toward absolute certainty. And in a world that seems so out of control some find it comforting to imagine every detail of life begin controlled by the plan and will of God."

Are we tempted to respond to the uncertainty in the world by developing faith that says "God is in control"?  Don't get me wrong - I do believe God is omnnipotent - all powerful, but I also believe that God has given us free will.  Is the fear we feel in our world - our sense of a lack of control of what happens around us - responsible for our retreating into the idea that "everything happens for a reason"?