When I Let it GO

 I love this picture because it demonstrates so well the need to just let everything go; just let everything go undone for a small amount of time pampering time alone with God. 

I don't read my Bible every day as I should.  Of course, I can't seem to find the time.  When I get up in the morning I automatically think, "Hurry now; you've got a lot to do today, so you need to hurry up so we won't be late for such-and-such.  And then, if you hurry up and do that, then maybe you can squeeze in some Bible devotions."

But I don't think life is all about hurrying to catch up with the train that's always on schedule.  If it were, I would be one grumpy camper because I hate living day to day on a fast track.  Anyway, how would we enjoy our Lord and His blessings?  It takes time to smell a rose.

When I get so pent up in thinking that I have this to do before that, and that to do before this, I feel the I Can Syndrome coming on.  ICS can definitely be something other than a 'syndrome' but sometimes it is a dangerous syndrome.  I Can do that!  I Can do that!  But deep down, I know I should stop, listen to that still, small Voice, and ask Him to help me do all that I need (and want) to do.  If I don't, I end up crying my heart out in pain.  I feel hurt, dejected and miserable.

Why?  

Because I thought I could handle it all on my own.

I think the Lord takes a special delight in His handmaidens.  He reminds me of a wise, careful father who is gentle and chivalrous yet firm and resolved.  He knows His own mind, and He knows the structure of my brain and how much it can handle. :-)

"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."*

Isn't it wonderful to know that He won't make us be tempted more than we can handle?  He'll make a way for us to escape it!  

Years ago when my older brother was seemingly ripped from my life, the Lord gave me a song that has been a true inspiration to me time and time again.  I can still remember the feelings of anger and confusion when Mother brought me into the other room and played it for me.  Suddenly, my heart felt warm and I was assured that someone bigger -- so much bigger -- than I, was ready and willing to take my burdens and carry them for me.  It simply amazed me.

Take a moment to read these words and ponder on what they mean to you. It is a simple prayer, but it holds a wealth of trust in our Savior.  Let's put that trust into action.

This time I've got to trust You; 
I've got to accept Your plan.
I have tried to guide my circumstance, 
but there's just no way I can.

When will I learn this lesson? 
Your ways are not like mine.
Lord, help me to surrender the control 
I try to have on my life.

When I let it go, 
You take my hand and gently lead me;
then You let me know just 
how peaceful my life can be when I let it go.
The never-ending blessings 
like a river start to flow  -- when I let it go.

Too many times I'm searching 
for the things I think I need.
But when I try to look more, 
I always seem to give You less of me.

Lord, help me gain the wisdom; 
my foolish mind still lacks.
Till I find a way to let go 
of the part of me I'm holding back.*

*1 Corinthians 10:13; "When I Let It Go" by Sierra