SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1065

“Let Go”

So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32)

Monkeys are easily snared and caught by exploiting the fact that once they have a grip on what they want to hold on to they refuse to relax their fist and let it go. Hollowed out coconuts with an access hole large enough to let their hand through but not large enough to let a fist full of goodies back out is used to trap them. The same principle is employed in other parts of the world using termite mounds or other suitable ‘anchors’ that will keep the monkey in place long enough for the hunter to capture or kill it.  The monkey’s refusal to let go effectively traps it.

What are you holding on to that hinders your freedom? What won’t you let go of that has you trapped and vulnerable? Are you a victim of your own refusal to let something go?

Some people have a grip on things from the past that entrap them.  It may be past hurts that they refuse to let heal.  They seem to always serve up the same cup of bitter bile in conversations. This bitterness and unforgiveness eventually alienates them from friends and family alike and more importantly it hinders their walk with God. …if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. – Matthew 6:14

Others have a grip on the present material wealth and things of this world that have become a snare to them. Their hearts hear the call of God to share, be wise stewards, tithe, help others in need, yet they cannot let go to the extent that God’s Holy Spirit has prompted them to. …Jesus…said to him, “One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” But when he heard these things, he became very sad, for he was extremely rich. – Luke 18:22

Still others have a grip on their fears and worries for what might happen in the future that hinders their freedom in Christ. Their tight fisted grip is on the tangible things that they trust and rely on instead of trusting in God by faith. Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life … But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. – Matthew 6:25

Freedom comes through heart knowledge of the truth of God’s Word which comes through His abiding presence. So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. – Romans 10:17

May you no longer be victimized by your own stubborn refusal to let go of your past as well as things present and future. May you relax your grip and let go of all that hinders your walk with the Lord. May your open hands be free to reach for the hand of Christ and heed His call to ‘Come, follow Me’. May you know the joy, freedom, and power that come through His abiding presence in your heart.