Many of us are familiar with the old adage: Let go and let God. However, most would admit it’s easier said than done.
Since it’s hard to determine when to let go in life, we tend to hold onto everything. It’s easier to hold on than make the mistake of letting go of the wrong thing or letting go at the wrong time. So emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually we hang onto everything. We reason that we may need it someday, so better just hang onto it.
There is a heavy price to pay when we hang onto everything. Physically, our houses become filled with junk. Emotionally, we carry the weight of the world on our shoulders. Mentally, we become consumed with trivial matters. Spiritually, we never learn to truly trust God.
The sad part is that we as Christians don’t have to hold onto much of anything because Christ bears our burdens. (1 Peter 5:7, Psalm 55:22) We, more than anyone else, should be able to let go and let God
What are some things we are hanging onto so tightly that God could carry for us if we would just let go? Is it anger, grief, the past, fear, a broken heart, disappointment, or disillusionment? Or is it dealing with a difficult co-worker, boss, spouse, child, friend, or job situation? Could it be old habits, illness, hate, a grudge, doctrines, depression, sadness, pride, vanity, greed, or turmoil? Or perhaps it’s feelings of hurt, superiority, inferiority, jealous, envy, confusion, frustration, guilt, shame, desperation, hopelessness, or helplessness? Maybe it’s being compulsive or controlling.
The list is endless!
Consider this… If we turn our concerns over to God, he may not take all our troubles away, but he makes them bearable. (1 Corinthians 10:13) He gives us peace. After all, sometimes God calms the storm, but sometimes the storm rages and he calms the child. As a child of God, either way, we benefit.
God can give us peace. It’s this peace from God that makes life bearable. However, we can never have it, if we don’t let go.
Suggestions for practicing this choice…
- Memorize 1 Peter 5:7 or write it down, carry it with you, and read it every day. “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
- Clean out a closet and get rid of what you have not used in the past two years. As you do this think about some emotional baggage you need to rid yourself of as well. Believe it or not, when one area of your physical life is tidied up a bit, it’s easier to tidy up the emotional and spiritual areas.
- When a thought pops into your mind about a person you have been angry with for years, pray for that person. Pray that God will deal with that person so you won’t have to. Trust God to do it in his way and in his time.
- Let go of preconceived ideas about others and try not to be judgmental.
- A cluttered mind leads to burdensome thinking. Practice controlling your thoughts. “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8)
