I have watched many times as parents take their children for swimming lessons and instead of the wonderful exciting experience it should be, they spend most of their time trying to release the grip of hands from around their legs or from the ledges of the pool. If only those tiny little hands would let go, so that they could be open enough to experience the fun and freedom that knowing how to swim brings.
I remember when our boys were young and we took them to an adventure park. They wanted to do ziplining and high trekking. When they got to the top however, they didn’t want to let go. The joy of the experience was in the letting go. Their dad and I stood at the bottom and repeated encouraging words over and over again. They finally did let go and then we couldn’t stop them from going back. One of my sons in particular is so adventurous and such a risk taker. He seeks thrills and enjoys every minute of it.
I used to always hold my breath on rollercoasters. I actually needed a lot of incentive and push to go on a rollercoaster. Now I feel the fear and do it anyways. I have also learned to let everything out and not hold everything in, while on the ride. The releasing of breath and a loud healthy scream, truly does make the ride more exhilarating. I am always so afraid while waiting, as the ride begins, but when I let go it becomes such an adventure. When it is over, the ride seemed too short and I want to go on again.
We must clear out clutter to make room for Him and his blessing of peace.
Too many times as a parent and a teacher I have observed children in a fight or argument. An apology is made but not accepted. The child would rather stay mad and they end up missing out on playing with friends and having fun – in fact — adults are guilty of this as well. We hold on to what doesn’t serve us well at all. In so many areas of life, we hold tightly to things that should release.
There are many things in life that God wants us to let go of so that we can experience freedom and have room for more blessings. I could list so many but will only list a few.
- 1 John 1:9 says “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” We must not believe the lie of the enemy and hold on to sin or guilt. In letting go, God is able to release forgiveness.
- Hebrews 12:1 says “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,” Sin entangles. If our hands and hearts are tied up with sin, there is no way that we can run with perseverance and freedom. We are tired and tripping before we even start.
- 1 Peter 5:7 says “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
- Philippians 4:6,7 says “Do not be anxious about anything but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which passes all understanding will guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus.”
We must clear out clutter to make room for Him and his blessing of peace. We are not meant to carry our burdens — He is! If we hold on to what needs to be released there is no room for the gifts God wants to give us.
- Isaiah 43:18-19 says, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.
If we keep holding on to the past, we miss out on the gifts of the present and the future. We can look back and learn from the past. We can take a glimpse to fuel our gratitude tank. What we cannot do is to wish for a better present or future hoping things stay the same as the “good ole days” or dwelling on hurt that immobilizes us. Letting go moves us forward and is the only way to receive gifts God has for us.
- Ephesians 4:31-32 says, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Holding on to unforgiveness only allows bitterness to take up residence and leaves our hearts no room for God to fill us with his love and compassion. It leaves us without room for even God’s forgiveness to reach us and be extended to us.
Letting go and letting God does not take away from us, it adds to our lives. Letting go is not a loss but a gain. One can’t catch anything with full hands. Your hands have to be empty and open in order to receive. Open up. Good things are coming your way.
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