We often hold on to things and people that are not good for us and not helping us grow as Christians, things that prevent us from becoming all that God intended us to be.
When we need to let go of something that is holding us back from doing the right thing, the Bible can offer us powerful words of encouragement. It contains advice on how God provides us the courage and wisdom to let go of shame or guilt that can stop us from pursuing righteousness. It also can guide us to move beyond the weakness we may feel during challenging times and become strengthened by the teachings of God.
In the 4th chapter of Ephesians, Paul writes to the church at Ephesus to remind them that when we are in Christ, He will help us to overcome challenges in life. He reassures us that God will guide and direct our path and gives us the strength to let go and trust Him.
We all have things that we hold on to that we should let go of. Sometimes it is a relationship, a person, or a bad habit such as smoking or drinking. Perhaps it’s gossip, jealousy or thinking you are superior to other people. We may even have tried several times to shake loose from something negative, but still have a tough time letting go.
We may be disappointed in ourselves at times because we can’t change on our own and think about giving up on ourselves. God gives us assurance in this passage that he will never give up on us.
Nothing is impossible when we have faith in God. He will give us the strength to release our burdens, heartaches and challenges, and will guide and direct our paths.
But if we know that God is in control of everything, then why is it so hard to let go and let God take over? The real reason that letting go and letting God take control can be difficult is because we don’t fully know the character of God. We can trust God when times are tough— but only to a point. We run toward God when things are hard—but only to a point. However, God wants us to release our problems and trust in Him at all times.
When we are in the world sin can be so deceptive. It makes us think what is harmful and destructive to us is actually what’s good for us. But if God is for us, who can be against us?
As people who have light from the Lord our actions should reflect our faith. We should live above reproach morally so we will reflect God’s goodness to others. At all times, we must learn to forget the past and forge ahead. If we fail to let go of the past, it is difficult to move forward to the future.
People should be able to see a difference between Christians and non-Christians because of the way Christians live. Our old way of life before we believed in Christ should be completely in the past. We should put it behind us like old clothes to be thrown away.
We hold on to things too long, in our heart, in our spirit, in our mind, and in our thoughts, thinking about how someone has done us wrong. The word of God reminds us that we must learn to let go and move forward. We must trust that what is ahead is much greater than what we will leave behind. Let go and trust in God.