17th October 2023
Letting go
There are some things that are easier than others to let go of. It depends on the value we put on them. It amazes me how much we can stuff in a cupboard or closet. Have you ever set out to clean a space to only find that you cannot get the things that were in it back in again? We are always afraid that if we let go of something, we may need it again in the future. Of course, by the time that rolls around it is no longer usable, or way out of date. In my deep cleaning this summer, I have found drawers of cords and remotes that no one knows what they go to. It can be a quandary holding on to things.
With the coming of our company this month I have had to give up my quiet room, and the use of my car. My schedule has been changed, and the use of my things given over to others. I admit the car is the hardest thing to relinquish; it is a bit of letting go of my freedom and my independence that is being lost. These things are just temporary of course. We tend to focus on what we lose, but what about the other way around? What about others letting go of us?
I was reminded about how the Pharaoh did not want to let go of the children of Israel (Exodus chapters 3-12). With each plague, Pharaoh got more and more tightfisted. He did not want to lose his free labour, let go of his control and power, or his high status. He did not want anyone telling him what to do. He tried to keep them under his authority, but it was God who stepped in and made him let go. He did more than just loosen his hold, God also punished him and taught him who it was that was in control of all things. Pharaoh proclaimed himself God, but the real God made himself known to him.
Satan also does not want to let go of us. He has been a bad influence since the beginning of creation. It has been said that Satan does not care what you believe if what you believe is not the truth. He does not want to let go of his influence, his control, and his power. He fully thought he had won the battle against the Son of Man on the cross, but God soon let him know that his efforts were all in vain. We are no longer his, we have been purchased by the blood of Christ Jesus. Satan still does not want to let go, and he is still trying to influence us and take control again, but Jesus won the battle, and the victory is ours as well.
As we go about our day deciding what we should or should not let go of; as we put that value on things in our life; remember that God put a high value on us, and he will not let go. Hebrews 13:5 (NLT) says, ‘Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said…”I will never abandon you.” God will not let go of us, and as he holds on tight to us, may we hold on tight to him.
May you hold on tight to God’s never ending love as he holds on tight to you!
Prayer
Father, I am made secure knowing of your tremendous love and faithfulness to us. I know that no matter what happens, no matter how much things around us are in chaos, no matter how much things seem to be out of control, I know you have a firm grip on us and will not let go. When things seem the darkest; be our light. No matter how much the ground shakes; be our stability. Thank you, God, for holding on tight to us and never letting us go. In Jesus, we pray and praise you! Amen.
Study by Anne Gillam
About the writer:
Anne Gillam is a retired Pastor in Grace Communion International, Klamath Falls, Oregon, USA.
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