Holding On or Letting Go

A few times over the years, I knew God was telling me to let go of something. One of those times (several years ago) was when I knew He wanted me to let go of the desire to have children and just trust Him. He wasn't saying to give up, but I knew it was consuming too much of my thought life. Eventually, I let go and just trusted. I knew we would have children one day, but I knew I needed to enjoy the life and journey God had blessed us with at the time. When I was consumed with wanting to have children, I was missing out on so much that was right in front of me. Letting go was freeing. I was free to feel God's peace and just trust Him, knowing that He would always fulfill His promises. He's shown me that time and time again.

So, why do I sometimes find myself again in a situation where He's telling me to let go, and I'm holding on for dear life?

Again, this past year, I knew God was telling me that I needed to let go of something. It was something, much like the desire to have children, that in and of itself, wasn't a bad thing. But, it wasn't what God wanted for me at the time. Again, I held on. I held on because I was scared of what I would lose if I let go. I held on, I argued with God, I tried to justify why I wasn't obeying…..and ultimately I didn't trust His plan. And because of that, I certainly have experienced the consequences and I'm sure I've missed out because of my disobedience. 

Months ago while singing in church, one of the lyrics of a song stuck out. Over and over we sang, "There's nothing I hold on to." But here I am holding on to something I know God has told me to let go of.  It's easy to sing the words to songs, and not really mean them. Pastor David mentioned this in a sermon a while back.  He talked about singing "I surrender all" when we really mean "I surrender some or sometimes." Thinking of both of those lyrics (There's nothing I hold on to AND I surrender all) it's time to truly let go of what I've been holding on to and surrender that to Him. Knowing and trusting that it's what He's asked of me. For reasons I may not understand. But it's time.

Are you holding on to something that God has asked you to let go of? Just give it to Him. Trust Him. His plans and path for us are always better. And I just want to be right in the middle of God's will for my life, no where else!


For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:10

Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. Psalm 37:4-5



Update: 
This was actually written several months ago and was never published because I felt like something was missing or that it wasn't finished yet. Now, I know why. Since it was written, I've let go of what it was God was desiring for me to let go of. It wasn't easy and actually I can't take the credit for being totally obedient because I wasn't at first and He slowly showed me that I was going to lose what I was holding on to anyway (vague, I know, but more coming on that topic later!). But I'm so incredibly thankful that I finally listened and certainly wish I had listened sooner. He most definitely was and is always right. And He had something much better in store for my life and it's been an awesome journey watching that unfold. I'm so thankful that God cares enough about every aspect of our life and desires for us to allow Him to work in and through us so that we can continue to press on while bringing glory to Him! More on that coming in a future blog post that's in the works!