What are You Holding On To?
To those of you who have controlling personalities, I must admit I can’t relate well to you. I’m a let-it-go person overall…..I think. Letting go while holding on to God is a profound act of trust and faith. It involves releasing the burdens, worries, and attachments that weigh us down, while firmly grasping onto the promises and presence of God. In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus urges us to let go of our heavy burdens and find rest in Him, for His yoke is easy and His burden is light. Holding onto God means relinquishing control and surrendering to His will, as stated in Proverbs 3:5-6, trusting that He will direct our paths. We are called to let go of fear and anxiety, as Philippians 4:6-7 reassures us that through prayer and thanksgiving, God’s peace, which surpasses all understanding, will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Letting go while holding onto God requires releasing bitterness and resentment, as Ephesians 4:31-32 teaches us to forgive others as God has forgiven us. Ultimately, it is in releasing these burdens and embracing God’s love and guidance that we find true freedom and peace.
Journey of Joy
Is your hand in a fist or spread wide open in general? The answer is probably the famous “it depends.” Do you grip onto things tightly seeking to control and be more certain of outcomes, or so you think? Do things in life go as planned by the way? Planning is a great thing but how is your level of joy overall?
The Journey of Joy intertwines with the act of letting go while also holding on to God. It’s a pilgrimage of faith where we release the shackles of doubt and despair, clinging steadfastly to the promises of God. Psalm 16:11 assures us that in God’s presence there is fullness of joy, emphasizing that true joy is found in intimate communion with Him. As we let go of earthly desires and temporal pleasures, we discover the surpassing joy of knowing Christ, as described in Philippians 3:8. This journey entails relinquishing the pursuit of worldly happiness and embracing the enduring joy that comes from abiding in God’s love, as outlined in John 15:11. It involves releasing the need for control and surrendering to God’s sovereign plan, trusting that His ways are higher than ours, as Isaiah 55:9 reminds us. The Journey of Joy is marked by letting go of the fleeting joys of this world and embracing the everlasting joy found in God alone, a joy that transcends circumstances and fills our hearts with peace.
Easier Said than Done
Letting go sounds simple, but in reality, it’s often easier said than done. We can find ourselves tangled in the web of our worries and clinging tightly to what we think we need. But it’s essential not to beat ourselves up over struggling to let go. In Romans 7:15, Paul speaks to this inner conflict, acknowledging the difficulty of doing what we know is right. Likewise, in Psalm 34:17-18, we find solace in the assurance that God is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. When we feel discouraged, we can turn to these verses and remember that God understands our struggles and is there to help us through.
Here are three tips to find victory in the process of letting go:
1. **Pray without ceasing**: In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, we’re encouraged to pray continually, giving all our worries and concerns to God. Prayer keeps us connected to God’s strength and guidance, helping us to release our burdens and find peace in His presence.
2. **Renew your mind**: Romans 12:2 urges us not to conform to the patterns of this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Fill your mind with the truth of God’s Word, meditating on verses that remind you of His faithfulness and love. As you immerse yourself in Scripture, you’ll find your perspective shifting, making it easier to let go of what weighs you down.
3. **Lean on community**: Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 emphasizes the importance of having companions to support us in our journey. Surround yourself with fellow believers who can offer encouragement, accountability, and prayer. Sharing your struggles with trusted friends can lighten the load and remind you that you’re not alone.
Remember, letting go is a process, and it’s okay to stumble along the way. Trust in God’s grace and keep pressing forward, knowing that He is faithful to carry you through.
