Let It Go

We need to follow our Lord's admonition to remember Lot's wife, for she was one who did not forget her possessions even in a time of the greatest peril. She was not guilty of having retraced a single step towards Sodom. All she did was look back. But how revealing was that backward glance! Does it not speak volumes concerning the condition of her heart?  Watchman Nee

Have you determined yet that you need to let it go? By letting go I mean we have to learn to let go of things.  Too many times I think our perspective of what is ours is skewed.  We start to think that we own our house, car, furniture and even children.  The concept of ownership is taught to us from a young age.  It is like we are all children in a giant sandbox trying to one up each other.  We want what the other child has so we do whatever it takes to obtain it, including boxing them over the head with our sand pail. 

I’ve spent the majority of my life obtaining things.  Why?  When I die none of those things are going with me.  It’s kind of like reading a book that doesn’t have an adequate ending.  You are left hanging wondering why it didn’t end differently.  That is how possessions can overtake our lives. 

If we ever get the proper understanding of what stuff is, we will never feel discontentment.  We will be content with what we have in life.  There is peace in that place.  If I am content with what I have and let go of the hold it has on me, there is a peace that surpasses worldly understanding.  The anxiety of not having or obtaining something will be gone. 

If our hand is open with the things we think we own, God will provide for all our needs.  The thing we have to remember is some things are needs and others are wants.  He doesn’t say he will provide for all our wants.

Are you holding onto things that you think bring you happiness or trying to obtain something you don’t have?  Every time I do that I am disappointed.  When I am content with the things God has already given me and am not constantly searching for something new to add to my pile of stuff, peace will overflow in my life.   

     

Prayer for the Day: Heavenly Father, You have blessed my life beyond measure.  Remind me that I am not the owner of my things.  I am a steward of everything you provide in my life.  Help me to handle Your things wisely and to let them go.  I am forever grateful for Your influence in my life.  I praise You above all others.    

Scripture:  Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?”

 So He said to him, “Why do you call Me good?  No one is good but One, that is, God.  But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.”

He said to Him, “Which ones?”

Jesus said, “‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not bear false witness,’ 'Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” 

The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept from my youth.  What do I still lack?”

Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”

But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.  Matthew 19:16-22