Give It Up!
For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, “Do not fear, I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13
Who Me? No way! I can be stubborn like an old mule in the August heat.
There are days when I struggle with the idea of giving things up! Would I be willing to give up the important possessions in my life—if asked to do so? My question would immediately be fired at the source of the request with a great, big “WHY?”!
What am I willing to let go of without a struggle - anxiety, or distress? Well, certainly not my family or loved ones, not Mr. Grumbles, not even my 2010 Kia Soul, or my job or control (that I think I have). I want all those things to remain in my life.
Wait a minute; I don’t own any of these, do I? Really, come to think of it, what do I possess? All the things I mentioned don’t belong to me. They are gifts—wonderful blessings—from the Creator of the universe (except anxiety and distress!).
Perhaps my conversation with the Lord might go something like this:
ME: You really want me to let go of these?
JESUS: Well, yes! You are only taking care of them for Me.
ME: But they bring me such joy, peace, and comfort. Why do I have to give them back to You?
JESUS: Because I asked you to do so.
ME: But why are You even asking me to do this?
JESUS: To see if you will let go without a temper tantrum—not that I can’t handle your emotional outbursts—however, your willingness to trust Me and love Me is what I am looking for.
ME: Will You give them back?
JESUS: Perhaps.
ME: I don’t know what to say. My heart is broken to think about these losses.
JESUS: Trust Me! I have been known to heal broken hearts, too. Precious child of Mine, I am not asking for everything all at once.
ME: But now I am stressed not knowing what You will take from me first.
JESUS: I may not take anything. I just want your heart to be in the right place.
ME: Sometimes You are not very clear.
JESUS: When the times come, you will know.
ME: Can I think about this?
JESUS: You already are.
Photograph by Michael Johnston