Thursday, November 9, 2023

Letting Go When You Want to Hold On

 



By: Donna Bucher


So often watching the leaves gently float to the ground in my yard, God reminds me of the beauty of letting go. Autumn is a season full of illustrations of release as we watch leaves fall, participate in garden clean up, and deadheading of favorite flowers.

 

Yet despite my understanding the need of releasing those things which no longer serve me, I often hold tight a little longer than necessary.

 

One to never “give up”, letting go seems painful or too much like admitting failure. The determination to stick things out, and forge ahead rather than cede defeat is certainly commendable.

Scripture exhorts us to be courageous: Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.” 1 Corinthians 16:13 NLT

Having the wisdom to know when to let go, is tricky in the practical steps of every day, but God encourages us to seek Him for guidance and strength. We are never alone when making any decisions.

In fact, He gives wise counsel for determining how to move forward in Psalm 37:5-6 NLT.


"Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you. He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn, and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun."

 

A necessary part of committing your way to the Lord and trusting Him involves releasing control of expected outcomes, while maintaining a hope-filled attitude toward your future.

While certainly intimidating and at times, absolutely frightening, letting go brings huge rewards both emotionally and physically down the road.

Remember God’s promise in 2 Timothy 1:7 NLT:



"For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline."


We need not fear taking a step of faith and letting go of things, situations, even people which no longer serve our purpose, or the destiny God has placed before us.

Take steps today to eliminate old baggage keeping you from God’s best and prioritize what you truly need moving forward.

Seek God’s help in eliminating behaviors which continually hinder your emotional health and spiritual maturity so you can better reflect God’s image to others.

 

Reflection:


What are you holding onto that needs releasing?

What can you prioritize?



 





Find more encouragement and FREE Resources at Serenity in Suffering!

 

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