The wind blows, and the autumn leaves begin to fall from their trees. Once vibrant in color and strength, the leaves held to their trees, refusing to let go. They knew their assignment in that season of life, and their assignment had been to persevere in the strength they were given, and to just hold on. Summer has now turned to fall, and the season for holding on has become the season of letting go, and for trusting that wherever the wind might carry them, they would be held. One by one, each in its own time, the leaves learn how to let go.
How often are we just like the autumn leaves needing to learn how to let go? We get so used to hanging on, that we fear what might happen if we actually just let go. We think, “I must hold it together.” “I have to be strong, and keep fighting!” In our struggle with fear, we forget who is in control. We don’t know if we can trust God to keep us totally safe. What if something bad happens? What if things completely fall apart? Is this sounding familiar to you? If you have ever struggled with control, you know just what I’m talking about. Do you know that you can trust God with your life?
Maybe you know you need to let go. You’ve been told over and over again, “Just give it to God.” But you’ve been holding on so long you don’t even know what you are holding onto. It may even feel more like something has got its grip on you, rather than the other way around, and you want to shake free, but can’t. Anxiety is like that. It grips on so tight, you feel chained and imprisoned by it. So, how then can we break free from this prison?
First, we need to go to God in prayer, read His Word, and listen for His still small voice. It will take persistence, patience, and perseverance. It will not be easy, but it will be worth it. Don’t give up! The answers will come. God did not send His one and only son Jesus to die on a cross for our sin, so we could remain in bondage. “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery” (Galatians 5:1).
The Bible says in Luke 9:24, “For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.” Ultimately, if you are having trouble letting go, there is something you have yet to surrender to God. It could be any number of things– money, job, health, someone you love, selfish ambition, your time, your future– the pride of life. At some point, we must make the decision to surrender ALL for His kingdom if we truly want to be Jesus’s disciples. In humility, we can acknowledge God is in control, and His plans are best. We choose to follow Him wherever He leads. We let go of our desires, our plans, and our will, in exchange for His. This is not a one time decision, but a daily choice to die to self, and live for Christ.
The best way I can think to describe the freedom I’ve found in my relationship with Jesus is from Kyle Idleman’s book, Not a Fan. Idleman states, “In a twist of irony, we find that giving up our lives gives us the life we so desperately wanted all along.” In letting go, we acknowledge God’s sovereignty, control, and Lordship. When we let go, we let God, and make way for His blessings to flow into and through our lives.
Love this Kelly! It was a timely reminder.
Keep writing for God’s glory.
Hugs to you.
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Kelly, I really like your blog. Control has always been an issue for me…maybe that is a “teacher” issue. How do I pray, what do I say to God when asking for Hin to take control? How do I know God hears me along with all the billions of other people in the world? Does He give me a sign? Thank you for reaching out in your blog!
Hi Karen! Those are all such great questions. I will answer them as best I can from my experience. Yes, as a teacher, I’ve definitely struggled with control, or as we teachers like to call it, “classroom management.” However, it is certainly an issue that goes far beyond the classroom for many people, as you know.
“How do I pray?”- There is no one way, or wrong way. Prayer is just about talking to God like you talk to a friend. He wants to know your heart. It doesn’t have to be formal. For me, I pray short prayers throughout the day, in the moment of struggle often times, and ask God to meet me right there, and help. In these short prayers, I might say, “Heavenly Father, I want to take control and try to fix this on my own right now, I want to assert my will, but this is not mine to control. I know that you can do more than all I can ask or imagine, and so I lay this situation down at the foot of the cross, I give you control, and ask now for your help, in Jesus’s name.” I also spend more time in prayer when I sense I’m still trying to control. I recognize I’m still struggling when I feel some level of anxiety lingering beneath the surface. One of the best ways to pray is to use God’s Word in prayer. For example, if we are afraid of harm coming upon us or someone we love, we can pray Psalm 91 or Psalm 121. Often reading it out loud as a prayer to God helps. God’s Word is alive and active. It is more than just words. These words hold power, and the presence of the Holy Spirit, to free us from anxiety and bring us indescribable peace. When we praise God for who He is, and acknowledge His power and strength as greater than our own, it helps us release control because we can trust that God will help us.
“How do I know God hears me along with all the billions of other people in the world?”- The Bible says that the God hears our prayers. James 5:16 says, “. . .The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” 1 Peter 3:12 says, “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer. . .” It’s hard to comprehend how God could hear my prayer, and still be able to hear the prayers of all the people in the world, and answer them! I have to believe that He is God, and can do what seems impossible to me. Our faith and trust in God grows, the deeper our relationship with Him goes. We remember the times that we’ve prayed, and God has been faithful to be there for us in the past, and that lays a foundation for our trust bank to be built up, giving us the courage to continue to step out in faith more and more. However, it would be better to trust without asking God to prove himself to us first. He often does show us we can depend on him, though, because of His great love for us. He wants us to trust him! He wants to be in relationship with us!
“Does He give me a sign?”- God mostly speaks to us through His Word. The more we know the Word of God, the more easily we will recognize His voice. Often times when I’m reading the Bible, certain passages or chapters may almost seem to jump off the page at me. I sense God is wanting me to read them to help me know His heart for me, or for a particular situation. God also speaks to us in other ways. Sometimes, God may give us a sign– something that may seem like coincidence, or an unexpected blessing, something a friend says to you, a message that you read or hear, or a chance encounter with someone– these are all “signs” that God uses to show us He is with us and interceding on our behalf. God even speaks to some in dreams and visions, but this is not as common.
I know I have only scratched the surface here. There is so much more that could be said to answer all your questions. If you ever want to talk more, I’m here. We could meet up sometime with you too if you want. Have a blessed evening!
Hi Kelly! I’ve been contemplating what you have said. I will be praying and not worrying about my specific words while talking with Our Heavenly Father. I see so much natural beauty on our trip right now and know this comes from our Father. I try to stay completely open to signs that God is hearing me. I know He does!
Your blog is soothing and thought provoking all at the same time. Thank you for helping me in my spiritual life! I think God has made you a messenger through your beautiful writings!