Let Go or be Dragged

“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your entire spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The One who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:24

“Let go and let God.”

And don’t let go of God.

I have let go of some very destructive things in my life such as toxic people, addictions, and worship of money and status. But the hardest to let go is control.  The “I’m in control” has hurt me more times than I can count and dragged me away from my Father! There is very, very, very little I can control. This is a hard lesson and a huge relief!

When I feel anxious, troubled, exhausted, and fearful, there’s something I’m trying to control, and it may not be my responsibility. It may be God’s. It’s time to reframe my thoughts and trust him.

The blizzard that ripped through my area shook me. Fear consumed me. The power was out. The house was cold. My mind imagined so many horrible things as the wind howled. Fear dragged me around like a limp rag doll so I succumbed to my fear. “He will keep you in perfect peace…”   was in my mind and heart but…

Tremendous anxiety consumed me. Peter started walking on the water in the midst of the storm and he too started to sink.

Musings

Until Jesus comes back, the Prince of this World will torment us, especially the lovers of God. We don’t want to be dragged under or away, so we let go and let God be God in trust. It isn’t easy. We will have many times in our lives when this lesson is front and center. Is it because God cares more about our character than we do?

Prayer

Dear Father,

Your son was not dragged away but He still chose a filthy, rugged, and humiliating cross for our sake. It was a dark, despairing, frightening and lonely time. Three days later, there was great joy! Help us to remember this when struggling with life’s problems and temptations. Help us to not be dragged away from you.

Amen