How many times have you heard the phrase, “Let go and let God?” If you’re like me, then intellectually it makes all the sense in the world. But out here in the real world, this is really difficult to internalize when life is dealing you crap everyday and everyday it gets worse.
If you can’t stand someone, still hurt after someone left you long ago, feel pain that should have subsided eons ago or feel yourself crumbling under the pressure of life’s torments, it’s at these times that “Let go and let God” should give one the strength to persevere. The process to get where you need to be in this regard starts in the heart.
The premise is simple enough. You need to focus on forgiveness, mercy, an understanding of submission and a mustard seed of faith. Without this focus in your heart, you are forever bound and chained to that which you despise, are fearful of, worried about or have been seriously hurt by.
Have you ever been around someone who continues to relive an unfulfilling past relationship over and over again? It’s all they talk about. It’s a pity party and you’re invited. Maybe you’ve thrown one yourself a time or two. Without forgiveness in your mind, body and spirit, you’re essentially doomed to be shackled to whatever scarred you in the first place.
This is where your bible comes into place. It emphatically states that the truth shall set you free. And the truth is you better let go of whatever madness is driving you to depression, physical illness and mental incarceration. If you don’t, you can never be the person God intended you to be.
The people and events surrounding your life will always have the last say. They have the power and not you. That’s right, power. Whether you acknowledge it or not, you are letting your thoughts and feelings rule your behavior, your attitude and your outlook. That’s too much power to give to anything or anyone so negative to who you are in the eyes of God.
It’s a mind game, and it’s your mind. Paul says, “Be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” Romans 12:2.
God can’t or won’t deal with what ails you until you comply with the forgiveness rule. He says, “If you come to the altar with your gift and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift and go be reconciled with your brother; then come and offer your gift.” Matthew 5:23.
We have to learn to let things go. We have to in order to find ultimate freedom and the inevitable peace that follows. It is the only way we can receive all that God has for us.
It takes intestinal fortitude to forgive one’s enemies in the face of their attacks, old and new. It takes will power to see past one’s past and today’s crises embrace the future with a renewed sense of hope. We can do this. We have to.
